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Waiting Time

  1. How soon can I get the procedure?
  2. How soon will it work?
  3. How soon can I have sex?
  4. How long before I need to replace it?

How soon can I get the procedure?

Depending on your insurance, you may have to wait:

Tubal Sterilization Surgery

Medicaid requires a 30-day wait after signing a consent form. The goal is to be sure people understand this surgery is not easily reversible and no one is forced to have it.

Vasectomy

Medicaid requires a 30-day wait after signing a consent form.

Hormonal IUD

No wait; just schedule a clinic visit

Non-hormonal IUD

No wait; just schedule a clinic visit

Arm Implant

No wait; just schedule a clinic visit

 

How soon will the method work?

Tubal Sterilization Surgery

Starts working as soon as the procedure is done

Vasectomy

Use a backup method until your partner has a test showing no sperm in their semen. This usually takes about 3 months. 

In the meantime, keep using other types of birth control. For example, stay on your normal birth control pills or use condoms

Hormonal IUD

Starts working as soon as placed

Non-hormonal IUD

Starts working as soon as placed

Arm Implant

Use backup method for 7 days after placement. Condoms can be used as a backup method

 

How soon can I have sex?

Tubal Sterilization Surgery

As soon as you feel ready. Most people have pain for at least a week.

Vasectomy

As soon as you feel ready. Most people have pain for at least a week.

Hormonal IUD

As soon as you feel ready.

Non-hormonal IUD

As soon as you feel ready.

Arm Implant

As soon as you feel ready.

 

 

How long before I need to replace it?

Method

Recommendation

Tubal sterilization

Usually never, but sometimes a second surgery is needed

Vasectomy

Usually never, but you need follow-up testing to confirm that sperm is gone from the semen. If not, another procedure may be needed.

Arm implant

Nexplanon can be used for up to 5 years and then can be replaced

Hormonal IUD

Mirena and Liletta can be used for up to 8 years and then can be replaced

Non-Hormonal IUD

Paragard, the copper IUD, can be used for at least 12 years and then can be replaced

The only one who knows what birth control is best for you is YOU