What Should You Know Before Choosing an IUD Type in Eugene, OR?

IUDs are generally divided into hormonal and nonhormonal options. Pacific Women’s Center offers Paragard, Mirena, and Kyleena, allowing patients to compare several forms of long-acting, reversible birth control.

Paragard is a hormone-free IUD that uses copper to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. It can provide pregnancy prevention for up to 10 years, although some patients may initially experience longer or heavier periods with spotting between cycles.

Mirena and Kyleena release levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone, within the uterus. Mirena prevents pregnancy for up to eight years and is also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to five years, while Kyleena provides contraception for up to five years.

Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena and Kyleena gradually release levonorgestrel inside the uterus. This hormone thickens cervical mucus, limits sperm movement, and thins the uterine lining, helping prevent fertilization while often making periods lighter over time.

The copper in Paragard creates an environment that interferes with sperm movement and fertilization without using hormones. It allows the natural menstrual cycle and ovulation to continue, but bleeding and cramping may be more noticeable during the first several cycles.

At Pacific Women’s Center, the choice between a hormonal and copper IUD can be based on menstrual patterns, sensitivity to hormones, desired treatment length, medical history, and personal birth control preferences.

The length of protection depends on the selected device. Paragard is approved for up to 10 years, Mirena can prevent pregnancy for up to eight years, and Kyleena is designed to protect for up to five years.

An IUD does not have to remain in place for its full approved duration. Our team can remove it earlier when a patient wants to change birth control methods, plans to become pregnant, or experiences concerns that require removal.

Our team can document the insertion date, explain the recommended replacement timeline, and arrange removal or replacement before the device reaches the end of its approved contraceptive period.

Before placement, our team may review the patient’s health history, confirm that pregnancy is unlikely, and perform a pelvic examination. The vagina and cervix are cleaned, a narrow insertion tube guides the IUD through the cervix into the uterus, and the attached threads are trimmed to an appropriate length.

Patients may experience pressure, pinching, cramping, light bleeding, or brief dizziness during or shortly after the procedure. Spotting and irregular bleeding may continue during the adjustment period, although the pattern can differ depending on whether the chosen IUD is hormonal or copper-based.

Pacific Women’s Center can provide aftercare instructions and explain when additional evaluation may be needed. Severe or increasing pelvic pain, fever, unusually heavy bleeding, suspected pregnancy, or difficulty locating the IUD threads should be discussed promptly with our team.

Choosing an IUD begins with a detailed conversation about reproductive goals, menstrual symptoms, previous birth control experiences, medical history, hormone preferences, and how long pregnancy prevention is desired.

Our team can explain how Paragard, Mirena, and Kyleena differ in hormone content, approved duration, expected menstrual changes, and potential benefits. This individualized discussion helps patients understand which features may fit their daily lives and plans.

At Pacific Women’s Center, patients in Eugene, OR can receive personalized contraceptive counseling, professional IUD placement, aftercare guidance, and ongoing support to help them make an informed and comfortable birth control decision. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We proudly serve patients from Eugene OR, Whiteaker OR, Hendricks Park OR, Springfield OR, River Rd OR, North Springfield OR, Western OR, Fir Grove OR, Bethel-Danebo OR, and the surrounding areas.