How do Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Work?
July 17, 2025
How do Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Work?
Our all-woman team at Central Clinic for Women is committed to providing dedicated and compassionate healthcare for women of all ages, including annual well-woman exams, pregnancy care, and 3D screening mammography. We’re here to ensure that you have a smooth pregnancy and birth, and offer menopause care as you approach the end of your childbearing years. And if you’re not quite ready to add to your family at the moment, we’re always ready to help you review your family planning options!
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are a popular form of contraception because they obviate the need to take pills or use local contraceptives. They have a 99% success rate, they’re effective for up to twelve years, and, most importantly, they can be removed whenever you’re ready to become pregnant. We offer IUDs from leading pharmaceutical companies, including Nexplanon, Paragard, Mirena, and Skyla, and we’ll take the time to learn your complete medical history to determine which device is most suitable for you.
The way that IUDs work is that they reduce the ability of sperm to reach the egg for fertilization in one of two ways. Copper IUDs trigger an inflammatory response in your uterine lining that blocks sperm’s path to the ovum. Hormonal IUDs work by releasing small amounts of levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone, over time. The result is a thickening of your cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the fallopian tubes. Levonorgestrel also thins the uterine lining and partially suppresses your ability to release an egg during menstruation.
Your IUD will be inserted during an outpatient office visit, and you should be prepared to take at least a full day off from work and other responsibilities to recover from the procedure. You might experience side effects such as dizziness, backaches, cramps, or some light bleeding or spotting after your IUD is in place, and you should contact us immediately if your side effects persist longer than a few days. Some hormonal IUDs are effective almost immediately, but you should ask your doctor when it’s safe to resume sexual activity and continue to use other forms of contraception until your IUD has had time to take effect.
Contact us online
or at (501) 227-5885
today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
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As you approach menopause, you’ve probably already heard a lifetime of horror stories from friends and older relatives about what to expect. The experience certainly has no shortage of ups and downs, but they all survived, and so will you! The good news is that you won’t have to go through “the change” on your own, and our dedicated all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to ease your menopause journey! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus in Little Rock, and our services include annual women’s health and cervical cancer screenings, 3D mammograms, bone health assessments, and other tests and procedures as needed. We recognize that each woman's experience is unique, and we provide individualized care to address your specific needs and concerns so you can navigate menopause with confidence. Here are a few frequently asked questions about menopause, and we’re a phone call away if you’d like to learn more or schedule your annual well-woman exam. When does menopause begin? Menopause begins for most women when they reach their early 50s, but some women might start experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-to-late 40s. What are the most common symptoms of menopause? Many women start experiencing a host of unpleasant symptoms once they reach middle age, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods; You might also experience mood swings or struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Menopause affects all women differently, and it’s important to discuss any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms with your doctor right away. What can I do on my own to manage my symptoms? One of the most important things you can do to manage menopause symptoms is to eat right and get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least three times a week. And if you smoke, quit now! It should also come as no surprise that stress can adversely affect your health, so do your best to identify the natural stressors in your life and plan accordingly. There’s also no shame in talking to a behavioral therapist or other mental health professional if you need further assistance to cope with extreme stress, anxiety, or depression! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 to schedule a menopause care appointment or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
