IUD Cost

• For patients not covered by insurance, an IUD typically costs between $175 and $600 for the device, insertion and a follow-up appointment. Sometimes an appointment for a pelvic exam, where you discuss whether the IUD is right for you, is required before the insertion appointment can be made. This can cost an additional $35 to $200 -- for a total of $210 to $800.
• For patients covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs likely include a copay of $10 to $30 for the initial doctors' visit and a similar copay for the insertion, or a percentage of the total cost, usually about 20 percent.
• Many health insurance plans cover IUDs -- especially those with a birth control coverage rider. In some states, it's mandatory; the Kaiser Family Foundation lists the 26 states that require insurance with prescription drug coverage to include contraceptive devices. On TheNest.com forum, women discuss their experiences with various health insurance plans and IUD coverage.

• In the United States, there are two types of IUDs available: ParaGard, which is wrapped with copper to prevent pregnancy and Mirena, which releases low doses of the hormone progestin. Both types of IUD affect sperm movement -- preventing sperm from fertilizing eggs -- and change the lining of the uterus. The IUD with progestin also can prevent ovulation. It is possible that both types might prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. Planned Parenthood has an overview of IUDs.
• IUDs usually are inserted during a menstrual period, to make the process easier. First, the doctor will run tests to make sure you are not pregnant and do not have any STDs, and might give you a mild pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.The doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina, put antiseptic on the cervix, put the IUD into an insertion tube, which folds down the crossbars of the T-shaped device, and insert the IUD.
• IUDs are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy as long as they remain in place; it is important to check after each menstrual period to make sure the string of the IUD is in the same position. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a chart comparing risks and effectiveness rates of various forms of birth control.

• Removal of the IUD might be included in original cost, or it could cost as much as $100 to $200.
• Mirena IUDs need to be replaced every five years and ParaGard IUDs every12 years. The cost of replacement is the same as the original cost.

• Family planning or health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, often offer IUDs for a discount to women who qualify, based on a sliding scale. Prices can be more than two-thirds lower than at doctors' offices.

• Many gynecologists offer IUDs, so check with your regular doctor. Or, check with Planned Parenthood or other local health clinics. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a clinic locator by city or zip code.
• IUDs are recommended for women in monogamous relationships -- contracting a sexually transmitted disease while using an IUD can cause scarring and lead to infertility -- and who have had at least one child. It also can be used by women who have not had children, but they are more likely to expel it; as many as 10 percent of women who get an IUD expel it in the first year.
• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, risks include: cramps, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, developing a tear or hole in the uterus, lowered sex drive and menstrual changes.

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