Frequently Asked Questions: IUDs
Learn more about the interuterine device, or IUD, from Katherine D. Pocius, MD, MPH, medical director of family planning in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Mass General Department of OB/GYN
Complex Family Planning Program
Our clinicians provide the full scope of family planning services.
Complex Family Planning | General Gynecology Department
Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, Suite 4E
55 Fruit Street
Boston,
MA
02114
Phone: 617-724-6850
Fax: 617-724-5843
Explore this program
Our Approach
Mass General Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is committed to reproductive equity. We offer full-scope family planning services, including personalized contraception counseling, all approved methods of birth control, and abortion care. We provide expert, evidence-based care, and we treat every person with compassion, dignity and respect.
Treatments & Services
We offer counseling and clinical care for all approved methods of birth control, including:
- Pills
- Patches
- Rings
- Diaphragms and other non-hormonal options
- Barrier methods
- Implants
- Permanent contraception
- Emergency contraception
We also provide medication abortion and surgical abortion care per Massachusetts state law.
Our family planning program is part of an academic medical center. This access to cutting-edge research and top-tier clinical care allows us to treat patients who have complex medical issues that other outpatient clinics cannot address. We’re also able to care for patients who may need anesthesia and those whose care requires integration across teams.
Mass General OB/GYN accepts all patients regardless of gender identity for birth control and abortion care, including teens and adolescents.
If you’re new to Mass General, you will need to register and receive a medical record number by calling 866-211-6588. Once you have done that, please call us at 617-724-6850 to schedule a visit.
Counseling options
- We provide contraceptive counseling for those with complex medical conditions including those who may be concerned about drug interactions
- We understand there are many uses for birth control, including pregnancy prevention, menstrual regulation or suppression and management of other medical conditions, including Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, recurrent ovarian cysts, epilepsy, etc.
Contraception Management Services
- In one visit we can offer counseling and provide all approved methods of birth control including pills, patches, rings, diaphragms and other non-hormonal options, barrier methods and implants
- Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants
- Insertion and removal of IUDs for patients who require anesthesia or ultrasound guidance for these procedures
- Pain control options for IUD procedures for those who need or prefer them
- Emergency contraception including Plan B, Ella and copper or hormonal IUD insertion
- Permanent sterilization, such as salpingectomy or bilateral tubal ligation
Abortion Care
- Patients can receive medication abortion up to 11 weeks gestation dated by last menstrual period with a single in person visit
- Patients can receive surgical abortion in an outpatient or inpatient setting depending on your medical needs or preferences. Services include:
- First trimester uterine aspiration with the option for local anesthesia in the office or with deep sedation and/or general anesthesia depending on your unique medical needs or preferences
- Second trimester dilation and evacuation with deep sedation or general anesthesia
- Patient can also opt for induction termination for later abortion care
Our Team
Depending on your needs and preferences, your care team may include one or more physicians, certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners and nurses. We may also work with an integrated specialty team including colleagues in the Ultrasound & Prenatal Diagnostics Center, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the Fetal Care Program and clinical social workers in Social Work to deliver patient-centered, expert care.
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions: IUDs -- Patients today have many safe and effective options when it comes to choosing a method of birth control. From methods that need regular attention like condoms, the pill, patches and vaginal rings, to longer-lasting methods like birth control implants, hormonal injections, IUDs and permanent sterilization, the birth-control landscape can be a little daunting. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which method is best for you.
Family Planning During COVID-19 -- Choosing to build or grow a family, or to wait, has become more complicated during COVID-19. Mass General OB/GYN provides the full scope of family planning services. Delivery of care is different during COVID-19, but Mass General is still committed to providing access to safe and effective birth control.
Financial questions – Mass Health and most private insurances in Massachusetts cover abortion. You should check with your insurance provider to be sure. If you are a patient, the Mass General Brigham Finance Office can also help check your insurance coverage: 617-726-3884. For patients who need to pay cash, the Mass General Brigham Finance Office can calculate a cash-pay price.