IUD vs. Nexplanon® - Which Is the Best IUD for Your Needs?

Birth control medications and devices are a great way to help prevent pregnancy and to help women who are struggling with certain gynecologic issues.

When you talk to your OB-GYN about birth control methods, they’ll give you multiple options and recommend which one they believe is best for your needs.

Currently, two of the most popular options are IUDs and a device called Nexplanon®. Today, we’ll look at the differences between these types of birth control methods and outline their pros and cons.

What Is an IUD?

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a safe, popular method of birth control. The device is placed into the uterus in your doctor’s office. No need to go to the hospital or surgery center.

There are two types of IUDs to choose from: copper and hormonal (progesterone IUD). Depending on the type of IUD you choose, they can stay in place and prevent pregnancy for between five to ten years.

What Happens at an IUD Appointment

During your appointment, your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and clean both the vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution. If needed, your doctor will apply an anesthetic to numb the cervix to keep you comfortable. The length of the uterine cavity will be measured. Finally, your doctor will insert the IUD.

Contraindications of IUD

If you’ve had any of the following conditions or circumstances, your OB-GYN will likely recommend another contraceptive option.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

History of PID

History of ectopic pregnancy

Suspected reproductive cancer

Uterine abnormalities

Benign uterine tumors

Pregnancy (either known or suspected)

Sexually transmitted infection

Postpartum endometritis (within three months of placement)

Septic abortion

What Is Nexplanon®?

Nexplanon® is a birth control implant that goes into your non-dominant upper arm. It looks like a small rod that is thin and flexible. It’s placed under the skin, a procedure that can be done in the comfort and privacy of your OB-GYNs office.

The Nexplanon® implant releases a hormone called progestin, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. This hormone also thickens mucus in the body to help prevent the sperm from reaching the eggs.

Once inserted, this device can help prevent pregnancy for up to three years and is 99% effective.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Before your appointment, your provider will run a pregnancy test to ensure you’re not already pregnant. Once cleared for the procedure, your Plano OB-GYN will clean your arm with an antiseptic and inject an anesthetic to numb the tissue.

Using a special applicator, they’ll insert the Nexplanon® implant under your skin on the inside area of your upper arm. Then, they’ll place a bandage.

The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, and you might feel some pressure or discomfort during insertion, however the procedure is not painful.

On or before the three-year mark, you’ll need to have the implant removed. This procedure is similar to the insertion appointment. The skin will be cleaned and anesthetized. Special instruments will be used to locate and remove the Nexplanon® implant. If needed, your provider can insert a new implant at this time.

IUD vs. Nexplanon® – Which Is Right for You?

Both IUDs and Nexplanon® are effective at preventing pregnancy – and at about the same rate (99%). In fact, when both devices were compared in a 2011 study with other forms of birth control, IUDs and Nexplanon® came out on top. Here’s a breakdown of the pregnancy rate with various contraceptives.

IUD and Nexplanon®: less than 1%

NuvaRing: 9%

Depo-Provera: 6%

Oral contraceptives: 9%

Male condoms: 18%

One of the reasons a woman may choose an IUD in Plano instead of the Nexplanon® implant is due to longevity. IUDs provide longer protection, 2-7 years longer than Nexplanon. Also, in addition to preventing pregnancy, an IUD can be used to successfully treat heavy menstrual cycles.

Side Effects

While both contraceptives are considered safe, there are some side effects to consider, including:

Headache
Depression
Nausea
Vaginitis
Back pain
Weight gain
Abdominal pain
Breast tenderness
Acne
Menstrual changes

Dizziness is a side effect experienced by women who have the Nexplanon® device but is not a recorded side effect of IUDs (namely, Mirena). There is also a risk that the Nexplanon® device can dislodge. A recent study found that women with the Nexplanon® device were more likely to discontinue use due to side effects than those who had an IUD.

Another study found that IUD users are more likely to develop pelvic inflammatory disease, which can put women at risk for infertility or even tubal obstruction. This is true if there is an active STD at time of insertion, so your provider may recommend STD testing at the time of your insertion.

Other risks of IUD include:

Uterine perforation
Ectopic pregnancy
Undetected IUD expulsion (dislodge)

To ensure a patient’s safety, providers check the IUD one to two months after placement and annually thereafter.

Talk to Your OB-GYN for Best Results

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding which birth control method to use. That’s where the team at Plano Women’s Healthcare comes in! Your OB-GYN will review your symptoms and needs with you, as well as your questions and concerns. Together, we can determine the best course of action for your unique needs.