You don’t plan on getting pregnant in the near future
An IUD, or intrauterine device—which your ob-gyn can insert into your uterus in about five minutes—blocks contraception for many years. The hormone-free copper IUD called ParaGard is effective for 10 years, while the hormonal IUDs, Mirena and Skyla, which release low levels of progestin into the uterus, will work for five years and three years, respectively. “The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends long-acting reversible contraception, such as IUDs and implants, as a first line contraceptive option of women of all ages, even women who haven’t had babies, adolescents, and women over 40, because they are so safe, effective, and convenient,” says Petra Casey, MD, director of the Complex Contraception Clinic at Mayo Clinic. “But if you want to get pregnant in the next six to 12 months, an IUD is not a good option for you.” (Related: Check out these 11 reasons why you may be missing your period that have nothing to do with being pregnant.)
