Three ways telehealth can make getting an IUD a reality

First things first, we are not talking about getting an IUD delivered to your door for you to insert at home. However, telehealth can help you get an IUD on your own terms and timeline. Here are three ways that telehealth can help:

You aren’t 100% decided on your method

It’s totally ok and normal to have questions about what method will work best for you or not to know what birth control method you want to use. If you are undecided about your method, the first thing is to head over to Bedsider’s method explorer and check out your options. If you are undecided and want to learn more about your options from a health care provider, a telehealth visit can be a low pressure way to learn more, pick a method, and even start some types of birth control from the comfort of your couch. Some of the companies that make IUDs even offer telehealth services to see if you can get prequalified for an IUD, like this one from the makers of Kyleena, Skyla, and Mirena.

You have an appointment for an IUD but it’s not for a while

Maybe you already know that you want an IUD, but the next appointment to have it placed isn’t for a while. (If you know you want an IUD and don’t know where to get one, head over to Bedsider’s health center finder, to find a health care provider near you who can place an IUD.) While you are waiting for your IUD to be inserted, you can use telehealth to start a method of birth control and get it delivered to your door to make sure you don’t get pregnant between now and when you get your IUD. The pill, patch, ring, shot, and emergency contraception are currently available by telehealth. Need to find a telehealth provider near you? Just enter your zip code in Bedsider’s telehealth finder to see who delivers to you.

You want to make sure you know what you’re getting into and with whom

We get it, having an IUD inserted is an intimate encounter and it’s important to know and trust your health care provider. A telehealth visit with the provider who is going to be placing your IUD is a great opportunity to meet the provider without pressure to get undressed today. It’s also the perfect time to make sure you know and understand everything that is going to happen, and just ensure the provider is a good fit for you.

Telehealth might not be the most straightforward way to get an IUD placed IRL, but it can be a convenient and low(er)-pressure way to make sure you are comfortable with your method and your provider and help you prevent pregnancy while you might be thinking about your choice or waiting for your appointment.