Dr. Barry Littlejohn, M.D. is a strong proponent of IUD’s, or intrauterine devices, and believes them to be the best option for women seeking long-term, reversible birth control. It’s estimated that just six percent of women in the United States have an IUD, however more than 40 percent of Dr. Littlejohn’s female colleagues have an IUD, making them the most prominent form of birth control used by physicians themselves.

An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus and works to affect the movements of sperm after unprotected sex. By disrupting their movements, IUD’s prevent sperms from reaching and fertilizing an egg, thus eliminating the risk for pregnancy. An IUD is easily inserted by a medical professional, and a single IUD can be effective for up to 12 years.

There are two types of IUD’s. One is made by ParaGuard and is made of copper. This type of IUD stays effective for up to 12 years and can even be used as emergency contraception in the event of unplanned, unprotected sex if inserted within 120 hours after sexual intercourse. The other type of IUD is made by both Mirena and Skyla, and is made of plastic and contains hormones. The IUD slowly releases these hormones, and this type is effective for three to five years. While it has a shorter life than the ParaGuard IUD, the hormone-rich form can reduce or eliminate a woman’s period altogether.

Both copper and hormonal IUD’s are extremely effective in eliminating the risk for pregnancy. Additionally, Dr. Barry Littlejohn, M.D. notes that although the price of an IUD can range from $0 to $1000–depending on a patient’s insurance–the length of time an IUD is effective makes it a largely effective long-term option for birth control.

While Dr. Littlejohn frequently recommends patients at his eponymous Glendale, Ariz. practice get an IUD, they are not for everyone. Just like any procedure or treatment, each has various needs and conditions that need to be considered when receiving an IUD. Dr. Littlejohn recommends that anyone curious about getting an IUD should simply consult their physician, and, if an IUD is not the best option, their doctor will recommend the best type of birth control that suits their needs.

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