8) How Does an IUD Work? (Talking IUC with Dr. D)

IMPORTANT 2023 UPDATE re: IUD DURATION OF USE- US FDA now approves 52mg levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena, Liletta) for 8 YEARS use for contraception. When treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding is the primary indication, best results are usually seen in the first 5 years. Kyleena (19.5mg) is still 5 years. See video #35 for info on copper IUD extended use.

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Dr. Kristina Dervaitis, an OB/Gyn in Newmarket, Ontario, answers your IUD questions: How exactly does an IUD work to prevent pregnancy? Is there a difference between the copper IUD and levonorgestrel IUD in terms of the mechanism for preventing pregnancy?

Please note: this channel is provided as a volunteer public health education initiative (not for profit, no industry support, the channel is not monetized with ads). Dr. Dervaitis received her MD in 2000 and completed her OB/Gyn residency training in 2005 at Western University.