The Pros and Cons of the IUD

28. Oktober 2025

2 Min. Lesezeit

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The IUD is known as one of the most reliable means of contraception, but many women are still not convinced of its effectiveness and may even fear it. Let's take a look at its pros and cons.

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

The IUD is known as one of the most reliable means of contraception, but many women are still not convinced of its effectiveness and may even fear it.
Hormonal IUDs
What are the pros?

Für wen das ist

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Warum es wichtig ist

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Artikelautor

Dr. Helene

Gynäkologin und Geburtshelferin

To begin with, it is important to remember that there are two types of intrauterine devices: hormonal and non-hormonal.

Hormonal IUDs

They are covered by a special coating that controls the release of the ovulation-blocking hormone. The hormone is kept out of the bloodstream so that the risk of complications is much lower than with other means of hormonal contraception.

What are the pros?

This IUD works for women who cannot take oral contraceptives as the hormone dosage is lower and there are no complications such as increased blood clotting or raising blood pressure. It is possible to choose from IUDs that last 3, 5, or 10 years.

They are made from high-quality antibacterial plastic so that allergic reactions to them are practically unknown. They don't result in an abortive effect. In the absence of ovulation, there is no fertilization. They help reduce menstrual pain.

Non-hormonal IUDs

These IUDs can be made from copper, silver, and even gold. The copper IUDs are the most popular and budget-friendly, lasting around 3 years.

The silver ones work for 7 years and provide both contraceptive and antibacterial effects, decreasing the risk of pelvic inflammation. The golden IUDs are known for their hypoallergenic effect.

What are the pros?

It is one of the most budget-friendly means of contraception when dividing the cost of the IUD insertion by the period of use. It doesn't affect the hormonal balance. There is no risk of interaction with other medicines.

Summary of IUD Pros and Cons

Whichever you choose, all types of IUDs have common pros and cons that you should know before deciding whether to use them or not.

Pros: An intrauterine device is a reliable guarantee against unwanted pregnancy. Only 1 % of the women who use it get pregnant despite measures taken.

There is no need to take additional measures. The intrauterine device starts to work immediately similarly to oral contraceptives.

There is no risk of forgetting to take a pill or put on a plaster. You can use it during lactation.

It doesn't cause addiction and doesn't require recovery time. Pregnancy is possible immediately after removal.

Cons: An intrauterine device doesn't protect from sexually transmitted diseases.

There are rare cases of intolerance. During the first days after IUD insertions, women may have unpleasant sensations, pains, or discharge.

There is a chance of ectopic pregnancy, especially in women who have already had this issue.

It is necessary to visit a gynecologist twice per year to control the position of the intrauterine device.

Your partner may feel the string ends during intercourse.

The process of IUD insertion and removal can be associated with unpleasant sensations.

Your period may become more intense.

Who is contraindicated for the IUD?

Only a doctor can insert and remove the IUD. Before the removal, the patient will be sent for medical tests to identify any pelvic inflammation and an ultrasound test to assess the state of the uterus and cervix. Those with genital infections, dysplastic changes in the cervix, birth defects of the uterus, or myoma are contraindicated for IUD.

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