Once your IUD expires you’ll no longer be protected from pregnancy. So If your IUD is due to expire soon, make an appointment with your nurse or doctor as soon as possible to have it safely removed.
Your IUD expiration date depends on what kind of IUD you have and the exact date you had it inserted. Put your expiration date in your phone, set an alarm, or put a note in your wallet after it’s inserted to easily remember your removal date. You can also use our app, Spot On, which has handy birth control reminders.
IUD replacement based on brand:
Paragard should be replaced after 12 years.
Mirena should be replaced after 7 years.
Liletta should be replaced after 7 years.
Kyleena should be replaced after 5 years.
Skyla should be replaced after 3 years.
Your fertility goes back to normal and protection from pregnancy ends immediately after your IUD is out or expires. If you don’t want to get pregnant once you get your IUD removed, use another method of birth control. You can schedule an appointment for IUD removal and replacement at your local Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood’s Chat/Text program is a totally free, totally confidential hotline where you can get answers to your sexual health questions in real time, using text or instant messaging. It’s staffed with trained sex educators who will talk you through the tough stuff and give you info about STDs, pregnancy, birth control, puberty, going to the doctor, and more. Here’s what one educator has to say about Chat/Text:
We’ve all succumbed to looking for solutions to life’s complications on the internet at some point in time. Though sometimes helpful, it often just leads to more questions — and sometimes not even the right answers.
At Chat/Text, we don’t promise to solve all of your problems, but we can guarantee you’ll be able to connect with an actual human and talk about what’s going on with you. Full disclosure: we’re trained sex educators, but we’re not doctors. We can only provide general health information, but we really want to help you — so we can hook you up with other resources or ways to get health care if you have a problem we can’t solve during our chat.
So don’t be disheartened. I promise you we’re still a better option than a random search on the internet. We can help you address fear of judgement, how to keep your medical records private, lack of health insurance, concerns about your sexual health, or anything else that’s worrying you. All of our educators have been trained the same way, so you’ll get the same information no matter who you speak to at Chat/Text.
Unfortunately for many of us, the “sex education” we got never really offered much actual “education.” That’s where Chat/Text comes in — we do our best to help you in any way we can get whatever services you may need.
Can anyone purchase plan B at your facility? And how much are they?
Yes. You can get certain types of emergency contraception at your local Planned Parenthood health center. However, you don’t need a prescription to get Plan B and other types of levonorgestrel morning-after pills — you can get them over the counter at drugstores, no matter your age or gender. You can take it within 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex, but it works best when you take it within 3 days after unprotected sex. These types of morning-after pills may not work if you weigh 155 pounds or more. If that’s the case, the copper IUD or ella are better options for you.
Plan B One-Step usually costs about $40-$50. Other brands like Take Action, My Way, Option 2, Preventeza, AfterPill, and My Choice generally cost less — about $11-$45. Sometimes these pills are cheaper online, but they may not come in time if you need a morning-after pill right away. You can always buy it online ahead of time to have on hand in case you need it in the future.
Another option for emergency contraception is a prescription-only brand called ella. It’s more effective than levonorgestrel morning-after pills and costs about $50 or more — but if you have health insurance, there’s a good chance it could be free. ella is also more effective than other morning-after pills for people who weigh 155 pounds or more. But if you weigh 195 pounds or more, ella may not work as well for you. If that’s the case, the copper IUD — another form of emergency contraception — is a better option for you. It’s the most effective kind of emergency contraception but must be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex.
During the covid-19 pandemic, it might be harder for you to get to a health center. We know your sexual and reproductive health can’t wait. You may be able to access telehealth services by phone or video. Find your closest Planned Parenthood health center here.
I want to go on BC when quarantine ends and I know I need a prescription for that but how? Do I have to call/email to schedule an appointment or do I just show up? How do I choose an OBGYN? Is it safe to go to the doctor now? How long do I have to be on BC in order for it to work?
Getting started on birth control is easy. Typically, here’s how it goes. (Keep in mind, things are NOT typical right now. More on that further down.)
Make an appointment at a health center that provides birth control — like a Planned Parenthood health center, a gynecologist’s office, or even your regular doctor. If you’re a college student, your student health services on campus may offer birth control, too. Some Planned Parenthood health centers offer walk-in appointments for birth control. Find out about your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.
A doctor or nurse will talk with you about your options. They may ask you about your health history and check your weight and blood pressure to figure out which types of birth control are best for you and your body.
You might walk out of there with a prescription for a birth control method like the pill, ring, or patch. Or, if you decide to get an IUD, implant, or the shot, your doctor or nurse will either give you your method then and there, or make an appointment with you to come back soon for it.
How long you need to take birth control before it starts working depends on what kind you take and what part of your menstrual cycle you’re in when you start it. The pill, the hormonal IUD, the ring, the shot, the patch, and the implant can take up to a week before they start preventing pregnancy. The Paragard IUD works as soon as you get it inserted. Your doctor or nurse will run through all of that with you at your appointment.
If you don’t want to wait until social distancing is over, some Planned Parenthood health centers are doing virtual visits. That means you can talk with a doctor or nurse about birth control over video chat or on the phone. They may be able to prescribe some methods like the pill, ring, or patch virtually and get it delivered to your door.
If it’s an IUD or implant that you want, visiting a health center is your only option. Some Planned Parenthood health centers have had to close for the time being. Still, many others are open and offering appointments for birth control. Those health centers that are open may have special instructions for keeping you and the health center staff safe from COVID-19, like requiring masks or limiting the number of appointments per day.
Ultimately, when it comes to deciding when to start birth control, what kind is right for you, and whether you feel safe visiting a health center, it’s up to you.
“We know that people’s sexual and reproductive health care can’t wait — even during a pandemic. People across the country are practicing social distancing and staying in their homes (though many are having sex), which is why access to sexual and reproductive health services—including birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion — continues to be critically important.”
When it comes to learning about sexual health, we’re here with you, no matter what. If you want to learn more about sexual health, are spending extra time with your kids (who have lots of questions!), or just want something to do during your couch time, we’ve got tons of fun and educational videos, apps, and other digital resources for people of all ages.
For young people (or anyone wanting to brush up on their sexual health info):
Roo — Our totally free, private sexual health chatbot that answers all your questions about sex, relationships, puberty, and more. No question is too awkward or embarrassing for Roo, so ask away! You can also check out our Roo High School video series.
Chat/Text — For those times you need to talk with a real person, chat or text in real-time with trained health educators about pregnancy, STDs, birth control, and more. It’s free and confidential.
Consent 101 videos— This four-video series is all about consent — what it is, how to know if someone wants to have sex with you, and what to do if they don’t.
Talking about safer sex, testing, and STDs — These three live-action videos show you how to have those sometimes awkward (but always necessary) conversations with your sexual partners without blaming, shaming, or ruining the mood.
Spot On— Our gender-neutral app helps you track your period, fertility, and birth control method. It’s free and available for download in your phone’s app store. You’ll also get period facts and tips from the experts at Planned Parenthood — and keep an eye out for Cycleosaurus, the friendly dinosaur! Download the Spot On app and start your own 30 Night Challenge at home.
PlannedParenthood.org/teens— We’ve got tons of great info on our site about puberty, relationships, staying safe online, and more.
Ours to Tell— A short film that shares the stories of four people from diverse backgrounds and the empowerment that comes from being able to access abortion and live full, healthy lives.
How to respond to a story of sexual assault— A video with tips for responding in a supportive and compassionate way if someone shares their experience of sexual assault, without adding to the shame and guilt that many survivors feel.
Sexual health videos — Quick, animated videos that give you the basics on birth control, how pregnancy happens (you might be surprised at the timeline!), STDs, PrEP and PEP, and abortion. (También en español.)
Videos for parents — From talking to your kids about where babies come from to gender, porn, and more, we’ve got the tips to help you tackle the tough topics and keep your kids healthy, from preschool to middle school. (También en español.)
The Talk Show — You might be watching a little more TV than usual right now. This TV watching guide helps you use storylines from TV and movies to have easy, honest conversations with your kids about sex, relationships, social media, body image, and more. (También en español.)
PlannedParenthood.org/Parents— From preschool through high school, our parents’ guide gives you great advice on how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your kids about bodies, relationships, sexuality, safety, and more. (También en español.)
Use Roo together — Our sexual health chatbot can help guide conversations with your kids about those topics that can sometimes feel awkward to talk about. You can let your kid lead the way, or take turns asking Roo questions and discussing the answers.
PlannedParenthood.org/Teens — You and your kid can click around the site together and talk about topics you come across. Or send it to your teen and leave them to browse on their own, letting them know they can come to you with any questions. (También en español.)
These are uncertain times and the health and safety of our patients, staff, and communities is our top priority. Check with your local health center directly for the most up-to-date information about appointments and hours. You can get connected to them by calling 1-800-230-PLAN or by putting your zip code into our website. Some health centers offer virtual appointments.
We’re here with you. We’re going to be here in every way we can to provide the health care and information you need.
For the last 100 years we’ve been providing the care and education you’ve come to depend on, and in these uncertain times we’re here with you. We’re going to be here in every way we can to provide the health care and information you need. We’re closely monitoring the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The health and safety of our patients, staff, and communities is our top priority.
“Planned Parenthood health centers are working diligently to ensure that patients continue to get the care they need — while taking all necessary precautions to keep patients and staff protected."
