IUD Cost

Typical costs:

• 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[1] lists the 26 states that require insurance with prescription drug coverage to include contraceptive devices. On TheNest.com[2] 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[3] 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[4] 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[5] or other local health clinics. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[6] 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[7] , risks include: cramps, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, developing a tear or hole in the uterus, lowered sex drive and menstrual changes.

1.  kff.org/medicaid/report/struggling-with-financing-the-recession-and-national-healt...
2.  ideas.thenest.com/newlywed-message-boards.aspx
3.  www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm
4.  www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/default.htm
5.  www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/findCenter.asp
6.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
7.  www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/byAudience/ForWomen/default.htm

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