Good news: The birth control implant and some IUDs now last even longer!



If you’ve got an IUD or birth control implant, rejoice! New research has shown that Nexplanon and some types of IUDs prevent pregnancy for longer than previously thought.



Here’s how long the implant and each brand of IUD works to prevent pregnancy:

Nexplanon implant: 5 years



Paragard (copper) IUD: 12 years

Mirena IUD: 7 years

Liletta IUD: 7 years

Kyleena IUD: 5 years

Skyla IUD: 3 years

These expiration dates apply to anyone who currently has these IUDs or a birth control implant, as well as anyone who gets one in the future. So for example: if you got your Mirena IUD in 2015, it will prevent pregnancy until 2022 (7 years). If you get a Mirena IUD in 2020, it will prevent pregnancy until 2027.

It may seem weird that these expiration dates would change, or be different than what’s on the label or what your doctor originally told you when you got your method. But don’t worry: this has been carefully researched and is totally safe.

As always, if you want to get pregnant or stop using your IUD or implant before the expiration date, your nurse or doctor can remove it at any time and your fertility will go back to what’s normal for you.

A round of applause to medical researchers for bringing us extra years of pregnancy prevention!

-Kendall at Planned Parenthood



(This post was updated in May 2020 to reflect newer research)

