IUDs—both copper and hormonal–are very effective forms of birth control. Unfortunately, misinformation about IUDs is common, and many women are led to believe that they can’t get an IUD unless they’ve already given birth. Luckily, this isn’t the case.
So, where does this myth come from?
Some healthcare providers used to believe that IUDs are linked to considerably greater risks of infections, expelling the IUD (having it fall out), and infertility. Today, however, the data overwhelmingly suggest that there’s no elevated risk of infertility among those with IUDs. However, if you have an untreated sexually transmitted disease during IUD placement, this could cause an infection to the uterus which may increase the risk of infertility. Women who have never given birth are not more likely to have the IUD fall out.
Getting an IUD inserted can be anywhere from uncomfortable to painful, but there are medications to help prevent pain from IUD insertion. While most women who have not given birth before can get an IUD without difficulty, some women may need a little extra help. This is because a woman’s cervix, or the part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, increases in size after giving birth. Pain medication to numb the cervix may be given and applied to the surface of the cervix or may be injected in the cervix and vagina. Sometimes a healthcare provider will give a medication to help dilate (open) the cervix so that the IUD goes in more easily. This process can lead to some cramping that usually goes away within 24 hours or so.
If your healthcare provider has advised you not to get an IUD because you haven’t been pregnant or doesn’t offer different pain control options, it may be worth having another conversation with them, or finding a different provider who is more aligned with today’s clinical guidance.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- Parenthood, Planned. IUD Birth Control: Info About Mirena & Paragard IUDs. www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud.
- Hubacher, David, et al. “Use of Copper Intrauterine Devices and the Risk of Tubal Infertility among Nulligravid Women.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 345, no. 8, 2001, pp. 561–567., doi:10.1056/nejmoa010438.
