Non-hormonal/copper IUD

While some people choose to remove their own IUD, whether someone can successfully remove it depends on several factors, like the length of the IUD strings and the position of the cervix. If you try to remove your IUD and it won’t come out (or you can’t find the strings), contact a health care provider to help.

This would be pretty rare, but it can happen. If you get pregnant with an IUD in, you should see a health care provider as soon as possible. Why? Because the pregnancy may be in your fallopian tube, or you may have a higher chance of having a miscarriage. Plus, whether you want to continue being pregnant or have an abortion, the IUD needs to come out.

The hormonal IUDs, shot, implant, and progestin-only pill have all been shown to overall reduce periods for most people. For some people, that means they don’t get a period at all, but for others it can cause bleeding when you aren’t expecting it even if you have less total bleeding.

You can use the pill or the ring continuously to intentionally skip your period altogether.

If you’re under the influence of alcohol—or anything else—a birth control method that doesn’t require action right when you’re about to get your freak on may be your safest bet. Fortunately, there are plenty of options. Note: These methods will cover you against pregnancy, but you should pair them with a condom for STI protection.

And speaking of covering all your bases, here are some tips for safer, smarter hookups.