IUD

Access to empathetic and approachable obstetrics and gynecology care means distinguishing between good and excellent health care. Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC provides superior obstetrics and gynecology services throughout the Homecrest and Midwood Brooklyn neighborhoods, the Upper East Side, and the Co-Op City of The Bronx in New York City.

Dr. Shifrin first obtained a medical degree from Samara State Medical University (formerly known as Kuibyshev Medical Institute) in Samara, Russia. His passion and drive for quality OB/GYN care led him to the United States, where he obtained additional training at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York, and Jersey City Medical Center in New Jersey, where he went on to serve as the attending gynecologist.

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?

An IUD is a type of birth control that your OB/GYN specialist inserts into your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. This form of birth control is reversible, meaning they can remove the IUD any time you’d like to get pregnant. See your provider to determine if an IUD is right for you.

What are the benefits of IUDs?

The main benefit of an IUD is that it helps prevent pregnancy without having to take a pill. This birth control method is long-lasting, making it a convenient option for many women trying to avoid pregnancy while sexually active. IUDs are up to 99% effective for pregnancy prevention. However, IUDs don’t protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What are the different types of IUDs?

Two common forms of IUDs are hormonal and copper IUDs. They both contain plastic frames that form a T-shape after being inserted through your vagina into your uterus.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs contain the hormone progestin that alters hormone balance within your body to prevent pregnancy. These IUDs work by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the uterine lining, and suppressing the ability of your body to release an egg during menstruation.  

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs contain a thin copper wire that causes an inflammatory response within the uterine lining. Copper in the IUD prevents pregnancy without hormones and may be an option if you’re not a candidate for hormonal contraceptives. 

Are IUDs right for me?

Your provider discusses your medical history, lifestyle, and treatment preferences to determine if you’re a candidate for an IUD. They also check your vital signs, complete a physical exam that includes a pelvic exam, and may recommend blood tests or additional diagnostic testing. You might need to take a pregnancy test before receiving an IUD.

What happens during IUD insertion?

Before IUD insertion, you might take pain medicine or receive numbing medication to ensure optimal comfort. 

Your specialist inserts the IUD through your vagina in 15 minutes or less. You may feel some cramping during the procedure. You might also have temporary lightheadedness, cramping, or light bleeding. The IUD begins working immediately or about a week after insertion, depending on which type you receive. 

Check in with the team at Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC periodically for annual well-woman exams, if you develop unusual symptoms, or if you want to try getting pregnant.

Schedule an appointment at Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC by phone or online today to learn more about IUDs and determine if they’re right for you.