The intrauterine unit (IUD) is one of the best options for birth control for many people.

Why are IUDs so popular?

IUDs can also act as emergency contraception if you get one inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex.

Its actually themost effective throw in of emergency contraception, according to Planned Parenthood: 99.9%.

On the other hand, IUDs arent for everybody.

IUDs also carry a very small-but-not-zero risk of complications like perforating your uterus.

If youd like to read more about your options, we havea guide here.

Where is an IUD implanted?

An IUD is inserted into your uterus.

It fits right in there.

(These strings areused for removal, so dont pull on them!)

How long do IUDs last?

How long an IUD will last depends on the brand, but all will prevent pregnancy for years.

What kind of IUD is best?

There are two main kinds of IUDs, and they work a bit differently.

Which one is best for you will depend on what exactly youre looking for from your IUD.

Levonorgestrel is the same hormone used in some birth control pills, and in Plan B emergency contraception.

Its chemically similar to progesterone, a hormone that your body makes when it is pregnant.

Some hormonal IUD users even find that, after a while, they dont get periods at all.

Of the four options, Mirena and Liletta carry the highest dose of levonorgestrel, 52 milligrams in total.

)About 40%of Mirena users have no menstrual bleeding at five years post insertion.

The number is 38% at three years for Liletta.

For both, around 20% of patients have no bleeding at 1 year post insertion.

Skyla and Kyleena are slightly smaller than the other IUDs, at 30 x 28 mm.

(Mirena and Liletta are 32 x 32 mm.)

How much does it hurt to get an IUD?

Getting an IUD can hurt, or be uncomfortablebut not always.

Peoples experiences spin up the spectrum from excruciating pain to complete nothingburgers.

I spoke to Dr. Rachel Flink, an ob/gyn in upstate New York, to ask what people shouldreallyexpect.

One big factor is whether youve given birth vaginally or not.

Some of the options to ask about include:

Taking an over-the-counter medication before your appointment.

This is a pretty common recommendation, and research shows it does help.

This is another one to discuss ahead of time.

This is not needed by most patients, Flink says, but it is an option that exists.

Insurance may not cover the extra expenses.

How long does it take to get an IUD, and what does it involve?

The procedure has a few main steps.

Finally, they will trim the strings, and youre done.

What happens after an IUD is inserted?

For the next day or so, its common to have some cramping.

This side effect is mild to nonexistent for some people, and more severe for others.

Finally, you may experience irregular spotting and bleeding after the insertion and/or for the next few months.

What are the potential complications of an IUD?

One risk is that the IUD could come out.

What is life with an IUD like?

Mostly, you forget that you even have it.

That was later adjusted to six years, and then seven, and now eight.