Using An IUD: What Are The Side Effects?
July 20, 2007
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Several types of contraception exist on the market today to prevent unwanted births. Before choosing one, it is helpful to investigate the choices available. A popular form of birth control is the IUD.
IUD stands for “intrauterine device“. It is a form of birth control that is totally implantable. An IUD resembles a capital letter “T” in its design. Essentially, it is made of plastic and contains either copper or hormones.
The purpose of the IUD is to stop an egg from becoming fertilized and implanting itself into the lining of the uterus. How does this occur? The method is not clear but it is speculated that the natural movement of both the egg and the sperm are altered in some way that prevents fertilization.
A woman using an IUD will still ovulate. Other forms of contraception, in particular, The Pill, are designed to keep a woman from ovulating. There are two forms of IUD’s available in the United States: ParaGard Copper T and Mirena.
The ParaGard Copper T is an IUD that contains a copper wire. This IUD can be worn for twelve years and the benefits of the device begin immediately after it is inserted. It has been shown that when the ParaGard is inserted within five days after unprotected sex, it is effective in preventing fertilization.
The Mirena is an IUD that contains hormones. This IUD can be worn for five years and it is effective immediately as a birth control device as well. The continuous release of hormones prevents fertilization from occurring.
An IUD can be inserted into the body in the gynecologist office. Proper placement of the device ensures a 99% success rate. Discussing the IUD option with your doctor will determine if it is the right course of action for you.
There are certain medical conditions that are not conducive to IUD use. A tilted uterus or a uterus that has never been pregnant could pose problems with device placement. Women who have experienced PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) may not be candidates for this form of birth control.
There are side effects with the use of IUD’s. The copper contained in the ParaGard increases the production of hormones that support pregnancy. Women who have used this IUD have reported that their menstrual cycle has increased significantly and, in some cases, their cramps have worsened.
Women using the Mirena have experienced menstrual flow changes as well. Because of the continuous release of hormones, menstrual flow is lighter and sometimes non-existent. The side effects are almost the same as those for The Pill.
The IUD is the most widely used form of birth control. There are no pills to take and effectiveness is immediate.
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Posted by admin | Filed Under Health & Wellness, Pregnancy
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