Intrauterine Device IUD – A device that is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. IUDs stands for intrauterine devices commonly known as Copper T, The T, Multi-load, Loop, Coil, etc. IUDs are among the most effective forms of birth control, yet not many women feel comfortable enough for them to consider this option. Continue reading the article to learn more about IUDs.
Table of Contents
What is an IUD?
Intrauterine device is referred to as an IUD. An IUD is a reversible, long-acting method of birth control. Reversible meaning that the contraceptive effect disappears when the IUD is removed, while long acting refers to a device that acts for extended periods of time. IUDs are flexible, soft T-shaped devices that are placed within uteruses and have two thin plastic strings hanging in the vagina at the end. The ideal time to use an IUD is just after your period, or at any point during the cycle when you are absolutely sure that you are not pregnant.
The fact is every woman is eligible for IUD. But those women who have a history of infections or who have fibroids / suspicion of genital malignancies are not good for an IUD. Placing an IUD is one of the most effective ways to avoid an unexpected pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It’s even better than accepting an emergency contraception pill. Don’t be afraid that use of IUD causes infertility. IUD Neither stops the ovulation nor blocks the tubes.
Types of Intrauterine Device IUD
There are two types of IUD which are following.
Hormonal IUD – They contain a hormone called Levonorgestrel.
Non-Hormonal IUD – They are copper-containing IUDs.
Read Also: Non Hormonal Birth Control Pills – How it work, How to Use
What makes an IUD a better option for birth control than another one?
Because the lifespan of an IUD is more than another method. The majority of IUDs are effective for 03 to 10 years. The most significant benefit is that, when used properly, it places 99 percent of the control over pregnancy and contraception in the hands of the woman.
How does an Intrauterine Device IUD work?
The main function of IUD is To make the sperm infertile or to prevent the sperm from meeting egg or ovum. Incase of non-hormonal IUDs, It causes minor inflammation or a toxic environment within the uterus, which kills sperm and makes implantation difficult. Indirectly, the non-hormonal IUD destroys the sperm. While Hormone-containing IUDs thicken the cervical mucus and thin the endometrium, rendering them unsuitable for fertilised egg implantation.
How is Intrauterine Device IUD inserted?
Is it painful? IUD implantation is a simple procedure that can only be performed in the doctor’s OPD (outpatient department). It just takes around five minutes, and the IUD starts working immediately. Obviously, it includes an interior inspection. Some women may be uncomfortable during this procedure, so if you are concerned, you can take a pain reliever tablet before the IUD insertion or ask your doctor to give you a pain reliever injection. The doctor will place a tool inside to see the cervix. This is called a speculum. The doctor then uses a tool to restrain the uterine mouth, known as the cervix, and delicately inserts the IUD.
Some women experience little bleeding or spotting for two or three days. You may need to wear a pad or a panty liner, but this is usually not a problem and isn’t very heavy. Once correctly inserted, the IUD does not migrate or swim up. In exceedingly rare circumstances, the IUD might perforate the uterus.
Does Intrauterine Device IUD affect the period?
It’s very important to keep monitoring your IUD after every menstrual cycle. You simply have to wash your hands, insert your finger, and feel the threads. Please see the doctor if you are unable to feel the thread. IUD can cause painful, longer, or heavy periods for some women, but in most of these cases, the symptoms usually settle down within two to three months. Meanwhile, you can take a painkiller tablet or a tablet to reduce the flow of the bleeding. However, the hormones containing IUDs actually reduce the flow of the periods and are really perfect for those women who have heavier or painful feelings.
Conclusion
If you are independent women then it is completely your choice that you should need it or not. Or if you are living with your partner then discuss the whole scenario with him and make the best decision of your life. At last, IUD does not make you infertile, does not prevent STIs, it only prevents unwanted pregnancies after unprotected intercourse.
Reference Links:-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1880477/pdf/canmedaj01519-0055.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557403/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287921996_Intrauterine_devices_-_Past_present_and_future_perspectives
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/40498/9241541431.pdf?sequence=1
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2414644721000427
Really good info, want to explore more about it……