Birth Control

IUD as EC

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What is the IUD as emergency contraception? The IUD as emergency contraception might be right for you if... How do you use the IUD as emergency contraception? How much does it cost to get the IUD as emergency contraception? What are the side effects and benefits of using the IUD as emergency contraception? Where can you get the IUD as emergency contraception?

What is the IUD as emergency contraception?

There are three different IUDs that can be used as emergency contraception (EC) if they’re inserted within five days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex. They are the non-hormonal/copper IUD (Paragard) and the two hormonal IUDs that contain 52mg of levonorgestrel (LILETTA and Mirena).

IUDs are the most effective form of EC—they’re 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Once you’ve had it inserted, you can keep the IUD in and use it as birth control for up to eight years (for Mirena and LILETTA) or up to 12 years (for Paragard). Or if you only want to use it as emergency contraception and not as birth control going forward, you can have it removed a few weeks after having it inserted.

Quick Facts

Super effective as emergency contraception (EC) when it's inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. You can keep it in as super effective birth control for years. Low-maintenance and private. You can choose a hormonal or non-hormonal IUD. Equally effective no matter how much you weigh.

Effectiveness

The IUD is the most effective type of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex.

Perfect use: Over 99% effective

Typical use: Over 99% effective

What are perfect use and typical use?
Hormones

There are non-hormonal and hormonal options.
Side effects

Depends on whether you get the hormonal or non-hormonal IUD. Side effects of the hormonal IUD include spotting between periods, cramps, and backaches. With the non-hormonal IUD, you may have heavier periods with increased cramping.
Cost

Anywhere from $0 (with insurance) to $1300, but you only pay once and then you can use it for years. There may be an extra cost for insertion and removal.
STI protection

The IUD doesn’t provide any protection against STIs.
Ongoing effort

Once it’s in, there’s nothing for you to do. You can keep it in for years with no ongoing effort.

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The IUD as emergency contraception might be right for you if...

Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy is a top priority for you.

IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy both when used as emergency contraception and when used for ongoing birth control. That means that, on average, less than one out of every 100 people who use an IUD as emergency contraception will get pregnant.

Something went wrong with your usual birth control method.

If the condom broke, your partner didn’t pull out in time, or you forgot to take your pill, insert your ring, or apply your patch—or if there was anything else that went wrong with your birth control method—you may want to use an IUD as EC.

You weren’t using any birth control at the time you had sex.

If you didn’t use any form of birth control during sex and don’t want to get pregnant, using the IUD as EC might be for you—as long as it’s been five days (120 hours) or fewer since you had unprotected sex.

You didn’t consent to sex.

If you’ve been raped or coerced by someone who refused to use birth control, and you don’t want to get pregnant, using the IUD as EC might be for you. (And if you need support, you can call or chat with RAINN, a 24/7 free, confidential national sexual assault hotline.)

You were already thinking about getting an IUD.

If you were already considering getting an IUD, now may be the perfect time.

You weigh 195 pounds or more.

The IUD is equally effective as emergency contraception no matter how much you weigh, whereas the over-the-counter EC pill may be less effective if you weigh 165 pounds or more and the prescription-only EC pill may be less effective if you weigh 195 pounds or more.

How do you use the IUD as emergency contraception?

When it comes to using an IUD, all the effort is up front, when you get it. Once it’s in, you don’t have to do anything, it just works. If you decide to keep it in and use it as birth control, all you have to remember is to get it replaced when it’s time (or you can get it removed sooner, if you like).

If you want to get an IUD to use as EC, contact your health care provider right away to let them know that you want to get an IUD for emergency contraception. They will need to get you an appointment quickly since it’s important to have the IUD inserted within five days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex.

Find out more about getting a non-hormonal IUD or a hormonal IUD.

How much does it cost to get the IUD as emergency contraception?

If you have health insurance—whether it’s through your parents, school, your job, the ACA marketplace, or Medicaid—chances are good that you’ll be able to get an IUD with no out-of-pocket cost.

If you don’t have insurance, or if you have an insurance plan that doesn’t cover birth control, IUDs can be pricey up front. The full price of the IUD without financial assistance or savings programs can be up to $1,300. If you need help with the cost of the IUD, you may have some options. Savings programs available through the manufacturer can help with the cost, and because one IUD lasts for years, it becomes downright cheap over time. Ask your provider what the most affordable way to get an IUD will be for you. You can also check with your local family planning clinics to find out if they offer free or low-cost IUDs (many do).

Keep in mind that the cost information included here is just for the device itself. Providers may charge for other things like insertion and removal.

What are the side effects and benefits of using the IUD as emergency contraception?

Every birth control method comes up with upsides and downsides. Here are some of the common benefits and side effects of using an IUD for emergency contraception.

The Positive

There are lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life. Here are some of the benefits of using an IUD for emergency contraception:

Offers protection from pregnancy and peace of mind after unprotected sex
Nearly 100% effective as EC, regardless of your weight
Easy to use
Safe for smokers and those with hypertension and diabetes
Can be kept in as super effective, long-lasting birth control
Hormone-free option available
You can use it while you’re breastfeeding

The Negative

Those who do have negative side effects often find that they go away after a few months. Some of the most common complaints are:

Spotting between periods (especially during the first few months after you get an IUD)
Very light periods or no period at all
Cramps and backaches
People you have sex with may feel the strings

In addition to possible side effects, the IUD as EC:

Requires a visit to a provider.
May be more expensive than other kinds of emergency contraception.

Where can you get the IUD as emergency contraception?

You need to visit a health care provider who is trained to place IUDs to get an IUD as emergency contraception. One issue you may run into is that it can be hard to get an appointment for an IUD insertion within five days of having unprotected sex. With that in mind, make sure to tell your provider why you need the appointment so quickly and they’ll be more likely to find time for you.