IUD
If you’re not ready to start a family and want to try a birth control method that’s largely hassle-free, an intrauterine device — IUD — may be the perfect solution. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to discuss whether an IUD would be a good fit for you.
IUD Q & A
What is an IUD?
An IUD is a plastic, T-shaped device that’s inserted into your uterus. The IUD kills sperm in one of two ways:
The IUD is wrapped in copper, which is toxic to sperm and prompts your uterus and fallopian tubes to produce a substance that kills sperm. A copper IUD lasts up to 10 years.
A hormonal IUD releases levonorgestrel, which makes the mucus on your cervix thick and sticky, preventing sperm from passing through to your uterus. This type of IUD lasts three to five years.
What is an IUD Specialist
An IUD Specialist is a provider who is trained and certified with IUD devices. While an IUD device is simple and hassle free for the patient, the actual insertion requires specialized training. Choosing an IUD Specialist when considering a provider is critical. Embry Women’s Health offers three providers who each have 30 years of experience in women’s health.
What are the advantages of using an IUD?
An IUD offers many advantages over other forms of birth control, such as:
- No effort is required, such as taking a daily pill or receiving injections
- The method is reversible by simply removing the device
- Only one in 100 women have reported getting pregnant using an IUD
- It does not cause weight gain
The hormonal IUD has also been effective in reducing menstrual bleeding and cramps, as well as problems associated with endometriosis.
It’s important to note that an IUD no matter how many sexual partners you have, it’s still a good idea to use condoms. Not only is there no such thing as a foolproof birth control method, but IUDs don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
How does the IUD Work?
IUDs work by preventing sperm from being able to reach and fertilize an egg. Some IUDs also thin the lining of the uterus and partially suppress ovulation to provide additional protection against pregnancy.
Which IUDs do you offer?
Embry Women’s Health provides the following IUDs:
Your provider at Embry Women’s Health will help you review the different IUD devices and pick the one that is perfect for you.
How much does an IUD cost?
For most women with commercial insurance an IUD Birth Control device is free with no out of pocket costs. Which is fantastic as you can have between 3 and 10 years worth of birth control without ever having to remember to take a pill or go to a pharmacy. If your insurance plan does not cover birth control or you do not have health insurance you still have options. We have an entire page dedication to the cost of an IUD device without health insurance.
What are the benefits of an IUD?
IUDs provide several benefits for patients. IUDs can remain in place for many years, providing convenient protection from pregnancy that doesn’t require the participation of the partner or interruption of sex. IUDs also reduce menstrual bleeding and may alleviate pain from endometriosis. In addition, IUD Specialist’s can remove an IUD at any time, allowing the woman to become fertile again quickly.
Is the IUD insertion process painful?
The IUD Specialist will use a local anesthetic to numb the cervix before the insertion of the IUD. During the insertion, patients may notice some cramping. To prevent pain from cramping, the specialist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller to patients. Some women may also notice some bleeding during and after the insertion of the IUD.
Are there any risks with using an IUD?
As with any birth control method, there are side effects and risks. When it comes to IUDs, the following risks or side effects have been reported:
- Menstrual problems: The copper IUD has increased menstrual bleeding and cramps in some women, while the hormonal IUD has reduced menstrual bleeding in most women.
- Perforation: While uncommon, an IUD can get stuck and perforate your uterus, which usually occurs during insertion.
- Expulsion: This is also rare, but some women’s bodies push the IUDs out of the uterus during the first year.
Also, you should not consider an IUD if you have a pelvic infection, or have a history of reactions to copper. Your OB/GYN at the Association for Women’s Healthcare will make sure you’re a good candidate for an IUD before inserting one.
Are there other types of long term birth control other than an IUD?
While the IUD is a fantastic long term birth control it is not for everyone. Thankfully, there is another option known as Nexplanon. Nexplanon is a birth control device that is implanted in the upper arm. It releases a steady amount of hormones to prevent pregnancy. It is less than two inches long and takes only a few minutes to be inserted during a simple procedure right in the office. Visit our Nexplanon birth control page for more information.
OUR PATIENTS SAY
I first chose to come to Embry Womens Health because it was near my home and they took my insurance. I’ve been coming back because JoEllen is AMAZING! The whole office is so welcoming and comforting, I’ve moved 20 miles away and I STILL go to see JoEllen for all of my women’s healthcare. I will literally plan my days off around an appointment so I can continue being a patient here.
I can’t say enough good things about Embry Women’s Health and hope to be able to be a patient for life!5 Stars – Yelp – 11/13/2019
I still love this place. It’s my second year as a patient here, and they still treat me so well. Every concern that I had was taken seriously and my doctor gave me some things to help with a couple of them. The office also isn’t really cold (which I’ve found to be a problem at some offices) so you won’t be freezing during your exam. She’s definitely the best doctor I have been to and recommend to every woman to look into coming here. Also, all of your test results are available online through a patient portal, and you can also schedule new appointments and fill out all of your patient information forms ahead of time on there. This makes checking in for your appointment super quick and easy.
5 Stars – Yelp – 10/31/2019
This was my first visit at this office and it was so much better then a visit I’ve had at a different gynecologist. The ladies were genuinely friendly and helpful and all very knowledgeable. They make you feel comfortable and safe. It’s so hard to find a gynecologist that fits your needs and I’m very happy to say I found mine.
5 Stars – Yelp – 4/10/2018
Insurance
Embry Women’s Health is committed to providing quality, affordable health care. We’re in-network with all major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. No insurance? No problem. We offer a simple fee schedule for those who wish to pay out-of-pocket. Click the button below for our complete list and more information:
Embry Women’s Health is no longer accepting insurance and will be a self-pay practice. We understand that our decision to no longer accept insurance may come as a disappointment. However, we carefully deliberated and concluded that this change was in the best interest of our practice.
Self Pay Prices:
New Patient Appointment: $200
Established Patient Appointment: $100
Self Pay Package Pricing coming soon!
If you have insurance, we will still send your information to any laboratories so they can still bill your insurance for testing.
TESTIMONIALS
Words from our patients
JoEllen is AMAZING! Not only is she professional- she makes your whole experience comfortable. If you’re looking for a professional that never judges your situation and treats you very well- I would definitely recommend this office!
5 Stars – Yelp
Layna H., YelpIt is refreshing to meet a practitioner who sees the whole patient and not just a series of symptoms. JoEllen is willing to spend the time to ask questions and really listen to the responses. I have seen JoEllen several times and I have always appreciated how much time she spends with each appointment and her pragmatic approach with solutions. I feel like my health drives the appointment and not the schedule. Finding JoEllen’s practice was like finding a needle in a haystack, a caring practitioner who encourages patients to listen to their bodies and to be their own best advocate.
5 Stars – 10/11/2018
Kathy N., YelpFriendly staff. JoEllen is incredibly kind, patient and answers all of my questions whenever I see her. I don’t feel like I am being rushed when I am there, it is very nice.
5 Stars – 10/4/2018
Ashley D., YelpI was super impressed. NP Eva was wonderfully personable and professional. Front desk staff (thanks, Mia) was kind and thoughtful. They have snacks and drinks in the waiting room. It’s super clean and the view is lovely. It sits right on the lake at Dobson Ranch.
5 Stars – 5/24/2021
Rhonda D., Google My Business“I started seeing Joellen earlier this year and I have had nothing but good experiences every time I have gone back. She is very down to earth and listens to any concerns. I would highly recommend Embry Womens Health.”
5 stars – 09/28/2018
Jeannie D., Yelp