Hey Dr Sue — I Got An IUD Put In. What Happens To My Eggs Now That They’re Not Being Released?

I’m glad you found a method you like!

Before I talk about what happens to the eggs, I just want to explain a little bit about what IUDs are. And also the differences in the types that are available.

An IUD is an Intrauterine Device. It is inserted by a health care provider into the uterus. A lot of people like IUDs because they can remain in place for many years. IUDs are also very effective at preventing pregnancy. They’re over 99% effective.

There are two major types of IUDs, hormonal and nonhormonal. The nonhormonal IUD contains copper. The copper IUD can be left in for up to12 years. But a person can choose to have it removed earlier if they want to. Because the copper IUD has no hormones, people who have it will still get their period. This means that an egg is released once a cycle, the same way it would be if there was no IUD.

The other type of IUD is the one that has hormones. There are a few on the market in the United States. These include Mirena, Skyla, Liletta and Kyleena. All of these contain the hormone progestin. The hormonal IUDs differ in size and in how long they can remain inside your body. Some can stay in for 3 years, some for up to 8 years. Like the copper IUD, they can be removed early…