IUD Placement & Contraception in Spanish Fork

What Contraception Options Does Dr. Oldham Offer?

Dr. Oldham provides the full range of FDA-approved reversible contraceptive methods at the Spanish Fork office, including hormonal and copper IUDs, the etonogestrel subdermal implant (Nexplanon), combined oral contraceptive pills, progestin-only pills, the contraceptive patch, the vaginal ring, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) injections. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) classifies IUDs and implants as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which have the highest effectiveness rates (over 99%) because they don’t depend on daily compliance. Dr. Oldham discusses each method’s effectiveness, duration, side-effect profile, and reversibility during a dedicated contraception counseling visit, and the patient chooses the method that fits her medical history, reproductive timeline, and daily routine.

Dr. Oldham’s training in procedural family medicine means IUD insertions and implant placements happen in the office during a regular appointment instead of requiring a referral to a gynecologist. That same-day capability reduces the time between decision and placement, which ACOG identifies as a key factor in reducing unintended pregnancy rates.

How Does an IUD Work?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device placed inside the uterus that prevents pregnancy for 3 to 12 years depending on the type. Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla) release levonorgestrel, which thickens cervical mucus, thins the endometrial lining, and partially suppresses ovulation. The copper IUD (Paragard) contains no hormones and works by creating a copper-ion environment that is toxic to sperm; it provides up to 10 to 12 years of contraception and also serves as the most effective form of emergency contraception when placed within five days of unprotected intercourse. Dr. Oldham stocks multiple IUD options at the Spanish Fork office and selects the device based on the patient’s hormonal sensitivity, desired duration, menstrual preferences, and whether she plans future pregnancy.

Hormonal IUDs reduce menstrual bleeding by 70-90% within the first year, which makes them a treatment option for heavy periods as well as a contraceptive. Dr. Oldham discusses this dual benefit with patients who have both a contraceptive need and menorrhagia, because one device addresses both.

What Happens During IUD Insertion With Dr. Oldham?

Dr. Oldham performs IUD insertions during a regular office visit that takes 20 to 30 minutes total, with the insertion itself lasting 5 to 10 minutes. The procedure begins with a bimanual exam to assess uterine position and size, followed by speculum placement, cervical cleansing, and sounding (measuring uterine depth). Dr. Oldham then loads the IUD into its inserter, guides it through the cervical canal, and deploys the device at the uterine fundus. Most patients experience 30 to 60 seconds of moderate cramping during insertion, similar to a strong menstrual cramp, which resolves within minutes. Dr. Oldham offers pre-procedure ibuprofen (600-800 mg taken one hour before) and discusses additional comfort options with patients who have anxiety about the procedure.

What surprises most patients about IUD insertion at the Spanish Fork office is how quickly it’s done. Dr. Oldham walks through every step before starting, confirms consent, and checks placement with a string-length measurement before the patient leaves. A follow-up visit at four to six weeks verifies the IUD is in the correct position, and after that, the device requires no maintenance until it’s time for replacement or removal.

Which Contraceptive Method Is Right for You?

Dr. Oldham helps patients choose a contraceptive method by walking through effectiveness, duration, hormone content, side effects, and personal preferences in a structured counseling conversation. The comparison table below summarizes the most commonly discussed options at the Spanish Fork office. Dr. Oldham emphasizes that no single method is best for everyone, and the right choice depends on whether the patient wants long-term or short-term coverage, whether she prefers hormonal or non-hormonal options, and how her medical history (migraines with aura, blood clotting risk, breastfeeding status) narrows the field.

Can Dr. Oldham Place an IUD After Childbirth?

Dr. Oldham places IUDs postpartum, either immediately after delivery (within 10 minutes of placental delivery) or at the standard six-week postpartum visit. Immediate postpartum IUD placement has a slightly higher expulsion rate (10-15% vs. 3-5% at six weeks) but eliminates the gap in contraception during the postpartum period, which is when many unintended pregnancies occur. Dr. Oldham discusses the timing options during the third trimester of prenatal care so the patient has a plan in place before delivery. For breastfeeding mothers, hormonal IUDs (levonorgestrel-only) and the copper IUD are both safe; combined estrogen-progestin methods are avoided in the first six weeks postpartum because estrogen may reduce milk supply.

Because Dr. Oldham delivers babies at Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital and provides prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care as one physician, the contraception conversation happens naturally across multiple visits instead of being introduced for the first time at a rushed postpartum appointment.

What Are the Side Effects of Hormonal Contraception?

Side effects vary by method and by patient. Hormonal IUDs produce mostly local effects: irregular spotting for the first three to six months (common), lighter periods or amenorrhea after six months (expected and safe), and occasional mild cramping. Systemic hormonal side effects (mood changes, acne, breast tenderness, headache) are less common with IUDs than with pills because the levonorgestrel dose is much lower and acts locally. Combined oral contraceptives can cause nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, and, rarely, blood clots; Dr. Oldham screens for clotting risk factors (smoking over age 35, history of DVT, migraines with aura) before prescribing estrogen-containing methods. The copper IUD produces no hormonal side effects but may increase menstrual flow and cramping, particularly in the first three to six months.

Dr. Oldham reviews expected side effects before starting any method and schedules a follow-up at four to six weeks to assess tolerance. If side effects are intolerable, switching to a different method is straightforward, and Dr. Oldham ensures there’s no gap in contraceptive coverage during the transition.

Does Insurance Cover Contraception and IUD Placement?

Under the ACA, most insurance plans cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods, including IUDs, implants, and prescription pills, with no out-of-pocket cost to the patient when provided by an in-network physician. Dr. Oldham’s office accepts 30+ insurance plans and the front desk verifies contraceptive coverage before the appointment. The device itself (IUD or implant) and the insertion procedure are typically covered together. For patients whose plan has a religious exemption or for self-pay patients, Dr. Oldham’s office can provide cost estimates in advance; a hormonal IUD plus insertion ranges from $800 to $1,300 without insurance, though manufacturer assistance programs may reduce that amount. Generic oral contraceptives cost $0 to $50 per month depending on the plan.

How Do I Schedule a Contraception Appointment With Dr. Oldham?

Frequently Asked Questions About Contraception and IUDs