Though it’s by far the most effective form of birth control, young adult females have for years been reluctant to embrace implanted methods – but that looks to be changing fast, according to a recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) report.

An IUD is a small contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus. Within the past 10 years, statistics show that IUDs are quickly becoming the most popular form of long-acting, reversible birth control.

“We encourage teenage girls to use long-acting forms of contraceptive,” said Ginette Archinal, physician and medical director of Student Health. “It’s more effective because there’s no chance for human error.”

Crystal Stanley, Nursing Department Manager at Westside ObGyn in Elon, agrees.

“Long-acting, reversible contraception is great,” Stanley said. “It’s a really effective form of pregnancy prevention, especially IUD use.”

Sophomore Jessica Geralis has wanted an IUD for years.

“IUDs are much more effective and more convenient than the pill,” Geralis said.

Although IUDs have recently become more popular, their popularity makes up only a slice of the ever-growing birth control market for women.

According to the CDC, in 2015, only 7.1 percent of women using contraceptives chose IUDs.

It’s a jump from the 2005 rate where only .04 percent of women used IUDs, but they still can’t compete with the pill, used by 17 percent of women.   

Despite the fact that IUDs are the most effective form of birth control with a 99 percent success rate in preventing pregnancy, historical controversy over IUD use causes skepticism in many women.

According to Archinal, IUDs don’t have history on their side— older models were known to cause infection. And that perception hasn’t necessarily faded.

“In the mid-1970s, when IUDs were becoming popular, they were made with a microfilament that attracted bacteria, leading to endometrial infection,” Archinal said. “That’s when IUDs got a bad rap.”

The FDA approved the first progesterone containing IUD, Mirena, in 2000.

“Mirena is slightly smaller than the copper IUD,” Archinal said. “At that point in time, everyone was aware that IUDs don’t, in fact, cause pelvic infections. Because of this, IUDs have become much more accessible.”

To build off Mirena’s success over the years, in 2013 a new and improved IUD, Skyla, was released on the market with the highest pregnancy prevention rate and smaller dimensions, making it easier to use for women.

“Because Skyla is much smaller, the female body won’t reject the implant,” Archinal said. “I truly believe we will see an even bigger increase in IUDs with Skyla.”

“I would love to switch to an IUD,” said freshman Erica Freund. “I forget to take my pills often. It would just take the worry out of things.”

A big step was taken with the release of Mirena. Many insurance companies will pay for most of an IUD, and some can even be put in free of any fees.

“I really think insurance companies covering IUDs will be an incentive for girls to get one,” Geralis said. “If my insurance paid for it, I would get one tomorrow.”

Like most any other medication, there are downsides to IUD use. Though concerns over side effects may dissuade some would-be IUD users, Archinal said bad experiences tend to be the exception, not the rule.

“The negatives to IUDs are pretty basic,” Archinal said. “Some bodies just do not react well to having a foreign object inserted into the uterus. Some people will experience cramping and irritation.”

In addition, many women won’t have regular cycles.

“Although some see it as a drawback, a lot of women see that as a positive aspect of progesterone IUDs,” Stanley said.

Archinal wants to remind girls that with taking the pills comes the possibility of human error.

“Girls need to remember that if you take antibiotics, vomit, or have diarrhea, for example, your pill may not be effectively absorbed,” Archinal said.                                                                                        

For females lost in a sea of options, the Health Center can provide some direction via an appointment, Archinal said.

For those who might not be comfortable paying a visit to  the health center, Westside ObGyn also specializes in assisting women while selecting a form of contraception, without much in the way of a cast.

Archinal believes that IUDs are the future of contraceptives. Though they may be slow to catch on, the benefits are clear to the doctor who has seen thousands of Elon University patients during her time here.

“They truly are a medical breakthrough,” she said.