Author: Sarah Sentz, Nurse Practictoner at the Arlene Cooper Community Health Center
The Gavin J. Goorjian Community Health Center (Center Wellness Clinic) is expanding its services to offer IUD insertion and removal, ensuring that the LGBTQIA+ community has access to inclusive and affirming reproductive healthcare. Located at 921 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Second Floor, The Center Wellness Clinic is committed to providing high-quality, gender-affirming care tailored to your unique needs.
What is an IUD?
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus. While IUDs are best known for pregnancy prevention, they are also used for bleeding suppression and various medical conditions. IUDs can be used by many people with a uterus, from teenagers through menopause!
There are quite a few myths out there about IUDs, like you can only get an IUD if you have been pregnant or are sexually active. Those are both false. So, we’ll try to dispel some other misinformation as we go along.
Why is this Important for the LGBTQIA+ Community?
Access to comprehensive, nonjudgmental reproductive care is vital for LGBTQIA+ individuals. While traditional reproductive health services are often centered around heterosexual relationships, many LGBTQIA+ people also need birth control options for various reasons:
Lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual individuals may still require contraception for pregnancy prevention.Trans men and nonbinary individuals may prefer IUDs as a hormone-free option that doesn’t interfere with testosterone therapy.
For those seeking menstrual suppression, hormonal IUDs can significantly reduce or stop periods, which can be especially beneficial for trans and nonbinary individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.
IUDs for pregnancy prevention
If applicable, a pregnancy test is performed prior to the IUD insertion to confirm negative results. Neither type of IUD can cause an abortion. Hormonal IUDs release progestin to prevent pregnancy while Copper IUDs create a hostile environment for sperm.
If you are having sexual activity that could result in a pregnancy, an IUD is one of the most effective methods. In fact, there is less than 1 pregnancy per every 100 people who use an IUD.
IUDs do not prevent HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but they are very effective against pregnancy. Once the IUD is removed, the return to fertility is rapid if you do decide to seek pregnancy.
If you are on Testosterone but having sex that could result in a pregnancy, an IUD can provide pregnancy prevention without interfering with your hormones. There is no estrogen in the device and the progesterone works more locally in the uterus.
The Mirena & Paragard IUDs can both be used as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected sex, although insurance or cost barriers may not make this the best option. Outside of this exception, your medical provider will require no sex that could result in a pregnancy from your last menstrual period until IUD insertion. Pregnancy with an IUD in place can be dangerous, so we want to avoid that.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs include Kyleena, Mirena, and Liletta and can be used from 5-8 years depending on type. These IUDs can help decrease heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain. In some cases, IUDs can suppress bleeding entirely although that isn’t a guarantee. Some trans & non-binary folks prefer this option for bleeding suppression to decrease dysphoria.
Patients who have various medical conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) among others can benefit from these IUDs as well because they help to thin out the endometrial (uterine) lining. Many folks would just rather not have a period.
A common question regarding hormonal IUDs is “isn’t it abnormal not to bleed?” The answer is no. Hormonal IUDs thin out the endometrial (uterine) lining, so there is no lining to shed. This can ultimately decrease a person’s risk of endometrial cancer.
Hormonal IUDs have a potential for increased risk of breast cancer; however, the risk is very small and may not be related to the IUD itself. The studies that have been done also did not account for other lifestyle measures such as alcohol use, breast/chest feeding, and physical activity (ACOG, 2024). Talk to your medical provider if you have concerns.
Hormonal IUDs can also be used during perimenopause and menopause as the progesterone-only component. They can help to keep the uterus safe (“thinned out”) and can be used in combination with estrogen if a person chooses.
Non-Hormonal IUD
The Copper IUD includes the brand name Paragard which can be used for 10-12 years. This IUD is ideal for folks that do not want any hormones and want to keep their menstrual bleeds. The Paragard can cause bleeding to become more heavy or painful, especially in the first few months. For folks with “regular” bleeds, this can be acceptable. For folks with some medical conditions or history of heavy periods, Paragard could make their issues worse.
Since the Copper IUD is non-hormonal, it is safe to use even if you currently have breast cancer or personal history of such.
Some trans or non-binary folks on T can use the Paragard IUD for contraception. The T usually atrophies (shrinks) the uterus enough to suppress bleeds. However, some folks can have breakthrough bleeding with this method.
Interested in an IUD?
Make an appointment for a consultation at The Center Wellness Clinic! A medical provider should evaluate your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for an IUD and answer your questions.
If you are having very heavy bleeding, spotting between menstrual periods without any hormones, or other medical history then please follow up. Oftentimes you will need further evaluation before proceeding with an IUD insertion in this case.
As long as you & your medical provider decide whether a specific type of IUD is right for you, the prescription will be sent to a specialty pharmacy. This part can take the longest time because insurance may require prior authorization (paperwork on our end). Once we have your device, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for the procedure.
Every medical clinic has a different process, but oftentimes this is guided by insurance and cost.
IUD procedure
Take ibuprofen 800mg one hour prior to the procedure unless you are unable to take this medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.
You will sign a written consent prior to the procedure, including all the information you’ve discussed previously with your healthcare provider.
You will have a pelvic exam to feel for the location of your cervix & uterus. A speculum will be placed during the entire procedure. You will feel three “pinches”—one to stabilize the cervix, one to measure the uterus, and the third to insert the IUD itself. The procedure itself usually takes less than 10 minutes.
You will have strings coming out of the uterus (you can’t see them); however, they will soften up with normal vaginal fluids. Most partners cannot detect them with penetrative sexual activity.
Yes, it can be painful. However, the worst cramping is usually over after the procedure is completed. You can have cramping (like period cramps) for a few days after the procedure. If you have cramping or severe pain longer than that, time to reach out to your medical provider. Ibuprofen, heat, and fluids are helpful.
Complications of IUD?
IUDs are generally quite safe, but as with any device or procedure there are some risks.
During the procedure, the uterine wall could be pierced during insertion which is called perforation. Infection could also occur if the IUD was inserted without sterile methods or if you have an infection like an STI. The IUD can “slip” out of the uterus, but this is more common with IUDs inserted right after pregnancy or in the first months after insertion (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).
If you have an unusual odor, severe pain, heavy bleeding (bleeding through more than one pad per hour), fever/chills, or any other symptoms concerning, then please contact your medical provider.
The most common side effect is having some irregular bleeding after insertion with either IUD. In the first six months with the hormonal IUD, you can have some irregular bleeding although this bleeding tends to become lighter and eventually stop. If you continue to have ongoing concerns with irregular bleeds, talk to your medical provider.
Follow Up After Procedure?
Follow up isn’t routinely required unless you prefer to have a “string check.” This really isn’t medically necessary but some like it for peace of mind.
If you do have questions or concerns, you can certainly follow up at any time!
IUD Removal
The IUD removal process is usually straightforward. You feel one cramp and the IUD is removed. If the IUD strings are “lost” it usually means they are up behind the cervix so the medical provider cannot see them. Sometimes we can still remove the device in-office while other times you may need a referral for another procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re interested in learning more about IUD options or scheduling an insertion or removal, contact The Center Wellness Clinic today at 702-780-4925 or visiting thecenterlv.org/wellness-clinic. Your health, your body, your choice—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
About the Author
Sarah Sentz, Nurse Practitioner at the Arlene Cooper Community Health Center, brings a wealth of experience to our team, with over twenty years in the healthcare sector. Since earning her graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2017, she has honed her skills in various clinical environments, building upon a solid foundation as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Her professional journey reflects a deep-seated expertise in family practice, with a particular emphasis on reproductive and sexual health medicine. She is passionately committed to community health, offering a spectrum of services that includes primary HIV treatment and prevention, comprehensive reproductive/gynecologic care, and the administration of long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants. Additionally, Sarah provides gender-affirming and hormone therapy care, approaching each patient with a holistic mindset that focuses on treating the whole individual, not just the symptoms.
When she’s not at the clinic, Sarah's adventurous spirit leads her on hiking escapades with her husband, often recounted as joyful misadventures. She finds solace in the pages of science fiction novels while swaying in a hammock, and at home, she enjoys the delightful chaos of caring for her quirky felines, Artemis and Andromeda.
