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Ask the Expert
Mimi Zieman, MD
Q: I don't hear much about IUDs or the Sponge. Are they available, safe, and effective forms of birth control?
A: There are two IUDs available in the United States. They are both effective and safe. The ParaGard IUD prevents pregnancy for 10 years. It contains no hormones so your periods remain regular. The Mirena IUD is effective for 5 years, but since it releases a small amount of progestin hormone into the uterus, it changes your pattern of bleeding. It can be very good for women with heavy periods, and about 1 in 5 women have no bleeding at all after a year of use.
The Sponge is once again available and is considered safe. It can be worn for up to 24 hours and must stay in place for 6 hours after the last intercourse. It is less effective than IUDs.
Mimi Zieman, MD, is the director of Family Planning and an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. She is a Board Certified obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in gynecology and contraception. Dr. Zieman is an author of two books: A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception for Clinicians and A Personal Guide to Managing Contraception for Women and Men.
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