There are many options when it comes to birth control, but intra-uterine devices, or IUD's, and injectables are gaining in popularity.
A lot of the myths and old wives tales associated with IUD's are being disspelled. OB-GYN's say many patients come in with misconceptions about this form of birth control, usually from their mothers and grandmothers, since IUD's in the 60's and 70's were different and typically unsafe.
Doctors say new methods in the last 10 to 15 years make modern IUD's very effective.
IUD's and injectables are also extremely safe, they can be given to girls as young as 14, and won't affect future pregnancies.
Doctors say it takes less than a minute to place an IUD. It's done at an office visit and the patient does not miss any time at work or school.
OB-GYN's say the procedure is very comfortable, but you may experience a little soreness.
IUD's and injectables last up to 5 years and doctors say they are reversible.
"Which means you can have your I-U-D in, it can stay for five years, but at year 3 or year 2, you want to get pregnant you take it out and your pregnancy rate goes back up to 85%. That's what the average pregnancy rate is," said Dr. Linda Bradley, an OB-GYN at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Bradley says it's best to talk to your doctor about which long-acting contraceptive device would be best for you.
