IUDs are small devices in the shape of a T that a healthcare professional can place in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. They come in two forms: copper and hormonal. Copper IUDs do not stop your period, but hormonal IUDs might.
IUDs are among a wide range of contraceptives used in the United States. But hormonal IUDs — like other hormonal birth control methods — can cause side effects, such as cramps, spotting, and irregularity or absence of periods.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article uses the terms “female” and “women” when discussing people who are assigned female at birth to reflect language that appears in source materials.
How does it affect your period?
About 13% of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 49 use an IUD as a method of contraception.
IUDs may affect your period. How much and in what way depends on the type of IUD you have. There are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs.
Copper IUDs slowly release copper into your uterus. The copper alters the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for sperm to get to an egg and fertilize it. Copper IUDs, which can last up to 12 years, do not contain any hormones.
Copper IUDs (such as ParaGard) can affect your period — for example, by causing heavier and more painful periods in the beginning. But they cannot stop your period.
Hormonal IUDs, on the other hand, are small plastic devices that release progestin, the synthetic (human-made) form of the hormone progesterone. Hormonal IUDs may make your periods shorter and lighter or stop them altogether.
The release of progestin makes it harder for sperm to move through the cervix and makes it difficult for an egg to implant itself in the uterus. Progestin does this by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus.
Hormonal IUDs can also prevent the release of an egg in some people, stopping ovulation and menstruation.
Some hormonal IUD brands include the following:
As well as reducing or stopping your period, hormonal IUDs can cause other side effects. Some adverse effects of IUDs include:
- cramps
- breast tenderness
- mood changes
- skin problems
- spotting
Other birth control options
IUDs can be a convenient form of birth control for some, but they may not be suitable for everyone. There are other forms of birth control methods you can consider, and some of them can stop or reduce your period:
Birth control pills
Birth control pills come in two types: progestin-only pills or combination pills that contain estrogen and progestin. They can affect your period, and in some people, they can significantly reduce or stop periods. Some birth control pill brands include Apri, Amethyst, Azurette, and Yasmin 28.
Birth control patches
Contraceptive patches release hormones into your body through your skin to regulate your cycle and prevent the release of an egg. Birth control patches can be placed on your arm, belly, or buttocks.
There are two brands of birth control patches: Xulane and Twirla. Because they release hormones to regulate your cycle, birth control patches can affect your period, including stopping it altogether.
Contraceptive shot
The birth control injection (Depo-Provera) contains the hormone progestin to prevent you from ovulating. You have to get the shot four times per year, or every 3 months, for it to work optimally. The birth control shot can also affect your period, from bleeding more days than usual to not getting your period at all.
Birth control implants
The birth control implant, known under the brand name Nexplanon, is a small plastic rod that goes under the skin of your arm. A healthcare professional places the implant, which releases progestin and can last up to 5 years. The progestin can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and it can also prevent ovulation.
Because they’re hormone-based and may affect ovulation, implants can also affect your period. In fact, one of their common side effects is the absence of a period.
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Vaginal rings, such as NuvaRing and Annovera, are small plastic rings that are placed into the vagina and release the hormones progestin and estrogen to help prevent ovulation.
Nonhormonal methods
Nonhormonal methods, like a condom or copper IUD, might be the best option for you if you don’t want your period to be affected.
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When to speak with a doctor
If you’re considering using an IUD, talk with a healthcare professional about which one might be best for you and your needs, whether it’s a copper IUD or a hormonal IUD.
If your IUD is affecting your period and you don’t want it to, you can speak with a doctor about trying an alternative brand. Even though all hormonal methods have the potential to affect your period, they do affect everyone differently, so it may be worth trying another kind of IUD and seeing how it affects you.
If you are experiencing IUD pain or unusual side effects, talk with your doctor. It’s rare, but your IUD may be out of place, and your doctor may have to reposition it or place a new one.
Remember that IUDs need to be removed, replaced, or changed after a certain period of time. Copper IUDs can last from 5–12 years, while hormonal IUDs can last up to 8 years, depending on the brand.
Summary
IUDs are small devices that are placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: copper and hormonal.
Hormonal IUDs can reduce or stop your period because they release hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, that regulate your cycle and can prevent the release of an egg, also known as ovulation.
If you’re considering using an IUD, talk with a healthcare professional about whether the copper IUD or the hormonal IUD might be best for you and your needs.
IUDs may not be the most suitable birth control method for all people. You can consider other options, such as the birth control pill, skin patches, vaginal rings, implants, and the birth control shot. Keep in mind that some of these methods can also stop your period.
If you experience uncomfortable and unusual side effects with an IUD, talk with your healthcare professional.
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