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The Women’s Wellness Place - logo
Phone: 315-478-1158
Fax: 315-478-3014
Syracuse, NY
The Women’s Wellness Place - logo
For the wellness in every stage of your life.

739 Irving Ave, Suite 530, Syracuse                                 5700 West Genesee St, Suite 221, Camillus  
Phone: 315-478-1158                                                        Phone: 315-870-3622
Fax: 315-478-3014                                                            Fax: 315-478-3014
Patient Portal

 IUD and Nexplanon

For the wellness in every stage of your life

For the wellness in every stage of your life

Take the Proper, Safe Preventative Measures

If you are not sure what preventative measure is best for you, the certified gynecologists at The Women’s Wellness Place will be happy to answer your questions. We specialize in birth control and will provide you with the information necessary to make the right choice. 

Let our skilled practitioners provide you with education and guidance. Call us for more information. Conveniently located across the street from Crouse Hospital, within walking distance from Syracuse University, three main hospitals, and just a short drive from LeMoyne College!
Happy couple

Types of Intrauterine Devices

Although there have been many types of IUDs in the past, currently only two types are available in the United States: the hormonal (Progesterone) and the copper. The hormonal IUD must be replaced every 3-5 years. It is FDA approved for both birth control and/or heavy/crampy menses. The copper IUD can remain in the uterus as long as 10 years. Once the IUD is removed, there is no protection against pregnancy.

The IUD is more effective than most other forms of birth control, including tubal ligation. However, the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How an IUD Works

Both types of IUDs are T-shaped, but they work in different ways. The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of progesterone into the uterus. This thickens the cervical mucus, which blocks the sperm from entering the cervix. It may make the sperm less mobile and make the sperm and the egg less likely to be able to live in the tube. 
It also thins the endometrium (lining of the uterus). 

A copper IUD does not affect ovulation or the menstrual cycle. It causes a reaction inside the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can prevent the egg from being fertilized. 
The copper seems to work as a kind of spermicide. It prevents sperm from going through the uterus and into the tubes. It also reduces the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg.
Woman listening to doctor

Inserting the IUD

A provider must insert and remove the IUD. Your provider will perform a routine exam to make sure you're able to use one. This may include:
  • Reviewing your medical history
  • Performing a pregnancy test
  • Taking a sample from your vagina and cervix to check for infection
You may not be able to use an IUD if you have:
  • A uterine size or shape incompatible with the IUD
  • A recent abnormal Pap test result
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
You will be asked to read and sign a consent form before using an IUD. Make sure you understand everything about the IUD to be inserted. If you have questions, ask your provider.

The IUD is often inserted during or right after your menstrual period. The doctor puts the IUD in a long, slender, plastic tube. He or she places it into the vagina and guides it through the cervix into the uterus. The IUD is then pushed out of the plastic tube into the uterus. The IUD springs open into place, and the tube is withdrawn.

Insertion of the IUD does not require anesthesia (pain relief), although you may have some discomfort. Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication before the procedure may help. Sometimes a provider will choose to use local anesthesia to insert the IUD.

You Should Not Use an IUD If You:
  • Are pregnant
  • Have a known or suspected pelvic cancer
  • Have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
  • Have a known or suspected pelvic infection
  • Are at high risk for STDs
  • Have certain liver conditions (copper IUD only)
Once the IUD is inserted, the doctor will show you how to check that it is in place. Each IUD comes with a string or "tail" made of a thin plastic thread. After insertion, the tail is trimmed so that 1-2 inches hang out of the cervix inside your vagina. You will be able to tell the placement of the IUD by the location of this string. The string will not bother you, but your partner may feel it with his penis. This should not interfere with his sexual feeling.

It is important to check the string regularly. To do this, you must insert a finger into your vagina and feel around for the string. You can do this at any time but doing it right after your menstrual period is easy to remember. If you don't feel the string or if you feel the IUD, call your provider. The IUD may have slipped out of place. Use another form of birth control until your IUD is checked.

Back-up contraception is strongly encouraged for the first 7 days after placement.
A provider must remove the IUD. Do not try to remove it yourself.

Risks
Serious complications from use of an IUD are rare. However, some women do have problems. These problems usually happen during, or soon after, insertion. These risks will be reviewed with you in detail with your provider prior to your procedure. Some risks include: infection, bleeding, uterine perforation, and misplacement of IUD, change in bleeding profile, pain, ovarian cysts, expulsion, migration, difficulty in removal, failure, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and increased risk for infection (PID).

Warning Signs
These symptoms may signal there is a problem with your IUD. Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Pain during sex
  • A missed period or other signs of pregnancy
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • A change in length or position of the string

Nexplanon 

The etonogestrel implant (Nexplanon) is a single-rod progestin contraceptive placed under the skin in the inner upper arm for long-acting reversible contraception in women. It provides effective contraception for up to 3 years. It is currently the most effective form of birth control available. It has no effect on your weight but can change your period, you may have more or less bleeding.

Procedure:
You will lie on an exam table with your non-dominant arm bent at the elbow and your hand under your head. Your provider will then feel for landmarks and mark the proper location. The skin will then be cleaned with betadine and a local anesthetic will be injected into the skin at the site the implant will be placed. 

Once you are numb in this area, the special device will be passed just under the skin. Once in proper location, the implant will be left under the skin and the device will be withdrawn. Your provider will ask you to feel the implant and confirm its presence. 

A small bandage or a suture may be placed. Then a pressure dressing will be applied. We ask you keep the pressure dressing in place for 24 hours. The entire procedure is very short, lasting under 10 min. No pain is usually felt but pressure has been reported.

Common Side Effects:
  • Insertion site effects 
  • Bruise
  • Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
  • Redness
Risks:
  • Migration (relocation of the device) 
  • Breakage of Device
  • Infection 
  • Deep placement with inability to remove in the office
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Damage to muscle, nerves or blood vessels
After the Procedure:
No pain is typically felt but if you do have discomfort, ibuprofen and acetaminophen should provide relief. You can go home after the procedure is done and no follow-up appointment is typically needed. Back-up contraception is strongly encouraged for the first 7 days after placement.
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Call 315-478-1158
"Dr. Quinn provided excellent care. I have also interacted with multiple providers in the office, and they were as wonderful."

Anne Resseguie,
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