How soon does an IUD become effective after you get it?

Oct 14, 2015 Updated: Mar 23, 2016

The non-hormonal IUD is effective immediately after it’s inserted. The hormonal IUD is effective immediately if you get it inserted within 7 days of the start of your period. Otherwise it takes a little longer to become effective, so you should use a back-up method, such as condoms or internal condoms, for 7 days after insertion.

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Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.