Whenever anybody asks me how I like my Mirena IUD, I tell them that I love it, as earnestly and vigorously as someone actually earning commission from Big Estrogen. I say that the ease of not taking a ...

The IUD has been gaining momentum in recent years, and with good reason: It’s one of the most effective methods of birth control out there. There are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding the ...

1. Look to your periods before insertion for clues Will the IUD spare you from having monthly periods? It may depend on how heavy your pre-IUD periods were. Researchers in an older 2016 study looked ...

When you are using birth control like a Mirena IUD, you need to know the risks of getting it inserted. There are common and expected Mirena side effects you can anticipate. What is Mirena? It's an IUD ...

Last month, New York City journalist Hayley MacMillen penned an open breakup letter to her IUD, ParaGard. In her own words, here were some of the pros: "I loved that you were non-hormonal and wouldn't ...

Getting an IUD is one of those things where you hear a lot of horror stories. Some women have it super easy (like me), while others claim it caused them pain for days. So which is it? One woman ...

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are known as one of the most convenient and effective forms of birth control, but it's true that the IUD insertion process can be unpleasant, uncomfortable, or downright ...

My first IUD insertion was — not exaggerating — the most painful experience of my life. I remember screaming, nearly fainting (I had to lie on the table for about 10 minutes afterward), throwing up on ...

Up against bad PR and a lack of awareness, reproductive health groups are leading the charge to make the IUD a first line of defense against unplanned pregnancy. It won’t be easy. Most women have been ...

Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. Everything you need to ...