How can I get an intrauterine device (IUD)?

You can get an intrauterine device (IUD) at the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you or from a private doctor or nurse. You may be able to get an IUD for free or at low cost.

How much does an intrauterine device (IUD) cost?

An intrauterine device (IUD) can cost between $0 and $1,300. This is a pretty big range, but the good news is that IUDs can be free or low cost with many health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.

Prices can also vary depending on the type of IUD you get. The price of an IUD includes medical exams, IUD insertion, and follow-up visits.

If you're concerned about cost, check with your nearest Planned Parenthood health center to see if they can recommend a method of birth control that's more affordable.

Can I get an intrauterine device (IUD) for free or at low cost? 

You can most likely get an intrauterine device (IUD) for free (or at low cost) if you have health insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”), most health insurance plans must cover all planning methods , including the IUD.

However, some plans do not cover all device brands. Your health insurance can tell you which brands are covered. Also, your doctor may help you get your health insurance to cover the birth control you want.

Even if you don't have health insurance, there are options for you. Depending on your income and immigration status in the United States, you may qualify for Medicaid or other state programs that can help you pay for birth control and other health services.

Planned Parenthood works to provide the services you need, whether you have health insurance or not. Most Planned Parenthood health centers accept Medicaid and health insurance. Many will give you a hand to help cover your expenses depending on how much you earn. For more information, contact the Planned Parenthood health center closest to you.

Where do I go to get an intrauterine device (IUD)?

The intrauterine device (IUD) must be inserted by a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider. Check with your gynecologist, family planning clinics, or Planned Parenthood health centers near you to learn more about getting a device.

How does the intrauterine device work?

Both copper and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm move so they can't reach an egg. If the sperm does not reach an egg, a pregnancy cannot occur.

The Paragard IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Sperm don't like copper, so the Paragard IUD makes it virtually impossible for them to reach the egg.

The hormones in the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs prevent pregnancy in two ways: 1) They thicken cervical mucus, which blocks and traps sperm. 2) Hormones sometimes also prevent the egg from leaving the ovary (a process called “ovulation”), which means there is no egg to fertilize. Without an egg, there is no pregnancy.

One wonderful thing about IUDs is that they last for years, but they are not permanent. If you decide you want to get pregnant or just don't want to have the IUD anymore, your nurse or doctor can easily remove it. You can get pregnant right away after the IUD is removed.

Can the IUD be used as emergency contraception?

Yes! The Paragard IUD works very well for emergency contraception. Placed within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, it is over 99.9% effective. It really is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy after having sex.

Another great advantage of using the copper IUD for emergency contraception is that you can keep it and have a really effective contraceptive that you can use for up to 12 years.

The other type of emergency contraception is the morning after pill . You can take it up to 5 days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.