The IUD (intrauterine device) is a tiny “t” shaped plastic device, about the size of a quarter, which works by changing the lining of the uterus so that sperm can’t make their way to an egg to cause pregnancy. A clinician places it inside a females’ uterus during a simple procedure where it can stay and remain effective for 5-12 years, depending on which kind of IUD is used.

Females who want long-acting, low-maintenance pregnancy prevention and who don’t want to have to remember to take their BC for several years.

The IUD is inserted by a clinician into the uterus. It is a simple procedure that takes about 15 minutes.

The Bay Street Clinic and The Center for Women’s Health at Staten Island University Hospital both offer IUD placements. A clinician will fit you for the IUD, and insert it. The cost of the IUD is free for Teen RAP clients. Since the IUD keeps working for 5 to 12 years, it is a great investment. Teen RAP currently only offers ParaGard.

The IUD is more than 99% effective, and is the most effective reversible BC method currently available.

NO. For STD protection use condoms with this method.

Pros:

• May be safely left in place up to 12 years
• It is 99.2-99.4% effective at preventing
• Very private and hidden. Neither you nor your partner can feel it
• Works better than BC pills, the patch, the ring or the shot
• Provides a hormone-free BC option
• After Paragard insertion, you don’t have to think about BC again for 12 years

Cons:

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV
• Paragard may cause occasional cramps and heavier periods for some people
• Paragard can be expensive, but most young people can get most or all of it covered even if you don’t have insurance, or you don’t want your parents to know ( Find a clinic that provides IUDS at low to no cost )

Pros:

• May be safely left in place up to 5 years
• It is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy
• Very private and hidden
• Neither you nor your partner can feel it
• Works better than BC pills, the patch, the ring or the shot
• Can provide relief for people who experience heavy periods, bad cramps and PMS
• After Mirena insertion, you don’t have to think about BC again for 5 years

Cons:

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV
• Mirena can be expensive, but most young people can get most or all of it covered even if you don’t have insurance, or you don’t want your parents to know. Find a clinic that provides IUDS at low to no cost.

The implant (Implanon or Nexplanon) is a tiny plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. It’s placed under the skin in the inner part of the upper arm by a clinician. Placement of the implant is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes.

Females who know they don’t want to get pregnant for several years and who want hands-free forgettable BC.

After numbing your skin, the implant is placed into your upper arm by a clinician at a clinic. It is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes.

Teen RAP does not offer the Implant at this time.

The implant is more than 99% effective.

NO. For STD protection use condoms with this method.

• May be left in place up to 3 years
• It is more than 99% effective at preventing
• Private and mostly hidden (Most people cannot see it, but you may be able to feel it by touching the skin over the implant).
• Works better than BC pills, the patch, the ring or the shot.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV
• May cause irregular bleeding, spotting, heavy periods, or no period at all