IUD Pros and Cons

 
Marietta GA Gynecologist

Choosing to become pregnant or to avoid becoming pregnant is a very personal decision for women and couples to make. There are many different reasons why avoiding pregnancy is an option, but for most women and couples this is rarely a permanent decision – it is usually a “not now” decision. Because of this, women need an option that is both convenient and non-permanent when it comes to birth control. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that many women find as an optimal choice. Below are the pros and cons of choosing an IUD as a form of contraception.

Pros:

  • The IUD is reversible. Most women and couples do not choose a permanent birth control option. An IUD can be removed at any time, allowing fertility to return quickly.
  • The IUD is convenient. Once an IUD is placed inside the uterus, there is no more thinking about it. Women do not have to remember to take a pill at a certain time every day, they do not have to place a diaphragm before sex, and they do not have to worry with using a condom for birth control.
  • The IUD is inexpensive for the long run. An IUD is far less expensive than an unplanned pregnancy. If the IUD is kept in place for at least three years, it is even less expensive than birth control pills which must be purchased on a monthly basis.
  • The IUD does not rely solely on hormones to prevent pregnancy. Some women cannot tolerate the side effects of hormonal contraceptives (e.g. birth control pills).
  • The IUD is highly effective. There are very few birth control options that offer the level of effectiveness of an IUD. Eliminating the risk of human error (i.e. forgetting to take the pill, using a condom incorrectly, etc.), an IUD provides ideal pregnancy prevention.

Cons:

  • Some women experience discomfort from an IUD.
  • Women who are looking for a short-term contraception option may find that an IUD is not within their budget.
  • Without the use of hormonal contraception, an IUD does not provide benefits such as minimizing pain from endometriosis or reducing acne.

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. we are here to help you determine the best contraception choice for you. Please contact our practice today.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.