IUD
- Years of protection, one simple visit.
If you’re curious about an IUD but unsure which type is right for you, please know this: your questions are welcomed.
An IUD is a birth control solution that can offer reversible birth control protection in the long term no daily maintenance requirement At Women’s Health Group in Chicago, Dr. Awad and our care team understand that every woman has unique needs at different stages of life, and we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, personalized care to help you find the right IUD.
- 30+ years caring for women
- In-office IUD placement and removal
- Board-certified OB-GYN care
- Compassionate Caregivers
Our Services
What is an IUD?
Medically reviewed by Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
An IUD is a small, flexible, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. The copper IUD is hormone-free and works because copper is toxic to sperm.
Once it’s in place, an IUD protects against pregnancy for 3 to 10 years, depending on the type, and it can be removed at any time if you want to become pregnant or try a different method. Hormonal IUDs often make periods lighter and less painful and are also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
More than 99% effective.
IUDs are among the most effective forms of reversible birth control. Because there’s nothing to remember each day, they work as well in everyday life as they do in studies.
IUD Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain that doesn’t improve
- Fever or chills, especially in the first few weeks after placement (possible infection)
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- You can’t feel the strings, or they feel longer or shorter than before (possible IUD movement or expulsion)
- You can feel the hard plastic of the IUD at the cervix
- Very heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour
- Signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period with nausea or breast tenderness
- Pain during sex that’s new since your IUD was placed
- Comfort at Every Step
Strategies for Comprehensive Care
Choosing the Right IUD
We compare hormonal and copper options based on your periods, health history, and how long you want protection, so you can choose with confidence.
Pain Management Options
IUD placement can cause cramping. We discuss options to ease discomfort before your visit, such as pain relievers beforehand and numbing medication, so you know what to expect.
Follow-Up Care
We check in after placement to make sure your IUD is in the right position and that you're feeling well, and we teach you how to check your strings.
Removal and Replacement
When your IUD expires, or whenever you're ready for a change, removal is quick. We can place a new IUD during the same visit if you'd like.
IUDs for more than preventing pregnancy
Hormonal IUDs do more than prevent pregnancy. They’re an FDA-approved treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and can reduce period pain for many women, including those with endometriosis or adenomyosis.
For women in perimenopause, a hormonal IUD can provide contraception and help control irregular bleeding, and it can serve as the progestogen part of hormone therapy. The copper IUD is also the most effective form of emergency contraception when placed within five days of unprotected sex. Learn more about all of your options on our birth control page.
- Finding Your Best Fit
The Personal Nature of IUD Care
Different Types for Different Needs
Hormonal IUDs vary in size, hormone level, and length of protection, while the copper IUD offers a hormone-free option. We help you match the IUD to your body and goals.
Every Experience Is Different
Some women feel only brief cramping during placement, while others need more time to recover. We move at your pace and make your comfort a priority.
Your IUD Journey:
Consultation
We review your health history and periods, explain the types of IUDs, and answer your questions. We may test for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections before placement.
Placement
IUD placement is done in our office and usually takes just a few minutes. You may feel cramping, which typically eases soon after. Many women return to normal activities the same day.
Follow-Up
A follow-up visit a few weeks later confirms your IUD is in place and gives you a chance to share how you're feeling.
There’s no single right IUD for everyone. Your choice depends on your periods, your preference for hormones, and how long you want protection. We walk through the benefits and trade-offs of each option so you can decide with confidence.
Mirena and Liletta
These hormonal IUDs protect against pregnancy for up to 8 years and are often recommended for women with heavy or painful periods.
Kyleena
A smaller hormonal IUD with a lower hormone dose that protects for up to 5 years.
Skyla
The smallest hormonal IUD, protecting for up to 3 years, and a good option for women who haven’t given birth.
IUD removal and replacement
We remove IUDs quickly in the office when they expire or when you’re ready to stop, and we can place a new one during the same visit.
Common IUD Questions We Hear Most
Does getting an IUD hurt?
Most women feel cramping during placement, which usually lasts a few minutes and eases afterward. Experiences vary, so we talk through pain management options before your visit and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Can I get an IUD if I've never had a baby?
Yes. IUDs are safe and effective for women who have never been pregnant, including teens. Smaller options like Kyleena and Skyla may be more comfortable for some women.
Will my partner feel my IUD?
Usually not. The IUD sits inside the uterus, and only thin strings extend into the vagina. The strings soften over time, and if your partner notices them, we can trim them.
How soon can I get pregnant after removal?
Fertility returns quickly after an IUD is removed, often within the first month. If you’re planning a pregnancy, our preconception counseling can help you prepare.
Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
Dr. Mike Awad is a second-generation OB-GYN who brings a gentle, thorough approach to IUD placement. He explains each step before it happens, answers every question, and makes your comfort a priority. His philosophy is simple: meet every patient where she is, listen carefully, and make sure she feels understood and confident in her care.
Your comfort, privacy, and dignity come first
An IUD placement is an intimate procedure, and it’s natural to feel nervous. You deserve care that is gentle, patient, and respectful. Here is our promise to you.
Your comfort is our priority
We discuss pain management options ahead of time and never rush your placement.
We explain first, then proceed together
Before every step, we walk you through what to expect and why, in plain language and at your pace. You can ask us to pause at any time.
Your choice is respected
Whether you want an IUD, a different method, or more time to decide, the decision is always yours.
Your information stays private
Your conversations and records are protected, and follow-up messages go through our secure patient portal.
You Deserve Birth Control You Don't Have to Think About
IUD care for women across Chicago’s Southwest Side, including Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Burbank, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, and Summit. New patients are welcome. Most major insurance accepted.
