Sexual Health Birth Control Types of IUDs IUD Risks and Complications By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC twitter linkedin Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial process Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on January 13, 2020 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on September 29, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Past IUD Problems Complications Risk Factors The the number of women who are choosing to use an intruterine device (IUD) as their birth control method is quickly growing. But IUD use is nowhere as popular as the pill or condoms. It is just as effective as a vasectomy, but unlike a vasectomy, IUDs are completely reversible. So why are so many of you not taking advantage of this super effective and long-acting birth control method? There seems to be a lot of misconception about IUD risks and safety. Let's take a quick look at why this may be the case. flocu / Getty Images Learn How an IUD Is Effective, Long-Lasting, and Reversible Past IUD Risks and Concerns IUDs have a checkered past. This has left IUD use to be stigmatized as being unsafe. In the 1970s, (at that time the FDA had limited authority over the medical device industry), the first popular IUD, called the Dalkon Shield, was introduced. The design of the Dalkon Shield included a multifilament string (a fancy word for a cable-type string made of hundreds of fine nylon fibers wrapped around each other). They used this string because it was stronger and wouldn't break. But, this type of string made it easier for bacteria to enter the uterus. As a result, the Dalkon Shield was responsible for pelvic infections, miscarriages, sepsis (blood poisoning), infertility, and hysterectomies. The company that made the Dalkon Shield knew about these problems, withheld research results, and lied about the IUD's safety (because it would have cost too much money to fix). Thousands of women were injured from Dalkon Shield, which could have been prevented if the company had been honest and not participated in this huge cover-up. These IUD risks and injuries from the Dalkon Shield lead to thousands of lawsuits. The FDA cranked up the pressure, and the Dalkon Shield was removed from the market. The FDA recommended that all women who were currently using the Dalkon Shield have the device removed. Two years after this IUD was taken off the market (and much more had become known about the damage caused by the Dalkon Shield), the FDA changed the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require more detailed testing for and FDA-approval before any medical devices could be sold. This is how the IUD's past left a negative impact. Many women may still be afraid that there are still huge IUD risks. They don't realize that today's IUDs are safer than the ones from the past. And, they are also FDA-approved. Today's IUDs There are five IUD brands available in the U.S.: Mirena, ParaGard, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta. These are not like your grandmother's IUD from the past. These IUDs are safe and reliable long-term contraceptive methods. As with many birth control methods, you may have some side effects after having your IUD inserted. But in most cases, these go away after the first few weeks to months. Although serious complications are rare, it is possible for them to occur. So if you experience any problems, it's very important that you report them to your doctor right away. Possible Risks and Complications Understanding the risks and possible complications can help you make an informed choice. Perforation Rarely, an IUD can be pushed through the wall of the uterus during insertion. This is usually discovered and corrected right away. If not, the IUD can move into other parts of the pelvic area and may damage internal organs. Surgery may then be needed to remove the IUD. Infection There is some risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) linked to IUD use. But the risk is very low after the first 20 days after insertion. PID is usually sexually transmitted. You have a higher risk of getting PID if you or your partner have sex with multiple partners. Pelvic infection can be caused by bacteria getting into the uterus during insertion. Most infection develops within three weeks of insertion. Infection due to the IUD after three weeks is rare. If you get an infection after this time, it is most likely because you have been exposed to STD's during sex. Studies show that IUDs don't cause PID or infertility. Expulsion The IUD could partially or completely slip out of the uterus. This is most likely to occur during the first few months of use (although it can also happen later on). It can also happen during your period. With Mirena or ParaGard, there is a slightly higher risk for expulsion if you have never had a baby, or if you're a teenager or young adult. Because Skyla is a tiny bit smaller than the other two IUDs, it is a little less likely to be expelled in nulliparous women (the medical word for women who have never given birth)—though expulsion of the Skyla IUD can still happen. If your IUD comes out, you can become pregnant. So if this happens, make sure to use a backup birth control (like a condom), and call your doctor. If your Mirena or Skyla IUD only partially comes out, it must be removed (so please don't try to shove it back in). To be cautious, check your pads and tampons during your period to make sure that your IUD has not fallen out. Risk Factors for Complications Most women will not have any problems using an IUD. But, if you have certain conditions, you may be more at risk of developing serious complications while using an IUD. These include being at risk for sexually transmitted infections at the time of insertion or having: Serious blood clots in deep veins or lungsHad PID in the past 12 monthsHave diabetes or severe anemiaHave blood that doesn't clot/take a medication that helps your blood clotHave had two or more sexually transmitted infections within the past 2 yearsHave or had ovarian cancerTake daily medication(s) containing a corticosteroid (such as prednisone)Have a history of tubal infection (this does not apply to women who had a pregnancy in their uterus since the infection)Have uncontrolled infections of the cervix or vagina, such as bacterial vaginosisHave a uterus positioned very far forward or backward in the pelvisHave a history of impaired fertility and the desire to get pregnant in the future Reasons Why You Should and Shouldn't Get an IUD Be Your Own IUD Advocate Like many women, there are a lot of doctors that still have misbeliefs about IUD risks and safety. These doctors may also have outdated ideas about who can and cannot use an IUD. So, in order to be your own advocate. If your doctor gives you any trouble, know that: Teenagers can use IUDs.You can use an IUD even if you have never given birth.You do not need a new IUD if you have switched sexual partners.You do not need to be in a monogamous relationship to use an IUD. A Word From Verywell For many people, the IUD can be a wonderful contraceptive choice. It's convenient, effective, eco-friendly, and it doesn’t require you to do anything for it to work or interfere with sexual spontaneity. Just like with other prescription birth control, there are some risks and potential complications linked to IUD use, but most people are happy with this long-term contraceptive option. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sivin I. Another look at the Dalkon Shield: Meta-analysis underscores its problems. Contraception. 1993;48(1):1-12. Wu CM, Noska A. Intrauterine device infection causing concomitant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and pelvic abscess with Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteraemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-213236 Kerger BD, Bernal A, Paustenbach DJ, Huntley-fenner G. Halo and spillover effect illustrations for selected beneficial medical devices and drugs. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:979. doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3595-7 Rowlands S, Oloto E, Horwell DH. Intrauterine devices and risk of uterine perforation: current perspectives. Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:19-32. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85546 Hubacher D. Intrauterine devices & infection: review of the literature. Indian J Med Res. 2014;140 Suppl:S53-7. Jatlaoui TC, Riley HEM, Curtis KM. The safety of intrauterine devices among young women: a systematic review. Contraception. 2017;95(1):17-39. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2016.10.006 Additional Reading Johnson BA. "Insertion and removal of intrauterine devices."American Family Physician. 2005; 71:95-102. Shelton JD. "Risk of clinical pelvic inflammatory disease attributable to an intrauterine device."The Lancet. 2001 Feb; 357(9254):443. Thiery M. "Intrauterine contraception: from silver ring to intrauterine contraceptive implant."European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2000 June; 90(2): 145–52.