Why do ob/gyns prefer the hormonal IUD?įor women generally, the hormonal IUD is a good option for family planning and managing periods. Need to talk with a menopause specialist doc or nurse practitioner? Now you can chat with a menopause practitioner from anywhere, with Gennev's telemed service. These may be more useful for the midlife crowd, and taking estrogen along with Mirena is increasing in popularity as a treatment for symptom relief. Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta) use a synthetic hormone to prevent pregnancy. In fact, they tend to make periods slightly heavier. Generally, copper IUDs contain no hormones and are not particularly useful for managing peri/menopause symptoms. IUDs for perimenopause and menopause symptoms have also become popular, and often effective, treatments.Ĭopper IUDs (ParaGard) are wrapped in a bit of copper and rely on sperm’s dislike of that metal to repel sperm away from an egg. Once placed, they can remain for years, effectively preventing pregnancy without impacting future fertility. What is an IUD?Īn IUD or intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped piece of flexible plastic that is threaded up through the vagina and into the uterus (hence “intrauterine”). We thought it was worth taking a closer look at the tiny little T that can do so much. It’s also a popular choice for docs prescribing solutions for managing heavy bleeding and irregular periods in perimenopause. Pretty overwhelmingly, women’s health care providers choose the IUD as their preferred family planning method. How about the one most OB/GYNs choose for themselves? If you’re considering using birth control to (a) avoid pregnancy and/or (b) manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms, which birth control method would you use?