If you have an IUD (or you’re considering getting one), then you’re in the right spot. Share those stories. Ask those questions. Go!

Here are some FAQs to get the Qs rolling; answers brought to you by Bedsider.

Are IUDs safe for women who haven't had kids?

Yes. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—an association whose members make up 90% of doctors specializing in women’s health in the U.S.—has declared IUDs safe for women of all ages. They also noted that the IUD and the implant, another long-acting method, are more effective than any other form of reversible birth control.

Does the IUD protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

In a word, no. The best way to guard against STIs if you're having sex is still the good ol' male condom. If you're concerned about both pregnancy and STIs, doubling up with the IUD and condoms is a great option.

Is there anything that helps with IUD insertion pain?

IUD insertion pain can vary from person to person, but unfortunately there isn't a great drug to take to make insertion less painful.

You can try taking ibuprofen beforehand, and make sure you get the IUD inserted when your cervix is open, such as when you're on your period or ovulating. Even if there is some pain, it might be worth it for years of worry-free boot knocking.

Does the IUD increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease?

If a woman has an undiagnosed STI at the time an IUD is placed in the uterus, she is at a higher risk of getting pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is why health care providers often require that you take an STI test before getting one. This is especially likely if you are under age 26, have a new sexual partner, or have multiple partners—because all these groups are at higher risk of having an STI.

About 20 days after having an IUD inserted, a woman is past the danger zone for developing PID from an STI she didn’t know she had during the insertion. After that time, PID happens at the same rate for women using IUDs as for those using other methods of birth control (aside from condoms).

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

The copper IUD (aka ParaGard) is effective immediately after it's inserted. The hormonal IUD (aka Mirena) takes a little longer, so you should use a back-up method, such as male condoms or female condoms, for 7 days after it's inserted.

How is Skyla different from Mirena?

Skyla and Mirena are pretty similar, but Skyla lasts for up to 3 years while Mirena lasts for up to 5 years. Also, Skyla is slightly smaller than Mirena and was FDA-approved for women who've never had a child, though both IUDs are totally safe for most women to use, regardless of their parental status.

What do I do if my partner can feel the strings from my IUD?

The strings of the IUD usually get softer over time, but if they're really a problem for your partner, talk to your health care provider about adjusting them or cutting them shorter.

Can the IUD move out of place or fall out completely?

Sometimes. Occasionally it can work its way out, down through the cervix. That’s called expulsion. Can be annoying, and means you don’t have birth control any more, but it’s not usually dangerous.

In rare cases, the IUD can work its way up, and into your abdomen. That’s called a perforation. That really doesn’t happen often, but if it does you would need a surgery to remove it. That’s why women are told to check for the strings: if you can feel the strings, everything’s probably okay.

Is there anything I can do if my cramps are worse since I got my IUD?

If this is the case, you're probably using a copper IUD (ParaGard). Sometimes things get better if you just give it a couple months. You can also take ibuprofen the first few days of your period.

More questions? Check out the Birth Control: The Scoop guide on your Me page or ask the Community!

The IUD