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All About the IUD
Blythe Miller, 11.11.08
IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. |
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Having sex is all about choices. And one of the most important choices you'll make when it comes to sex is what form of birth control to use.
The IUD, which stands for intrauterine device, is one of the many birth control options available to women today. Read on to learn the details, and see if an IUD might be the right choice for you.
What exactly is an IUD?
An IUD is a small T-shaped device made of flexible plastic. A health care provider inserts an IUD into a woman's uterus. (The 'arms" of the "T" fold down during insertion.)
There are two different brands — ParaGard and Mirena. The ParaGard IUD contains copper, and is effective for 12 years.The Mirena IUD releases a small amount of a hormone called progestin, and is effective for five years.
How do they work?
Both types prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilizing a woman's egg. They also affect the lining of the uterus, which some people say keeps a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus (though this isn't proven).
The progestin released by the Mirena IUD stops ovulation — the release of eggs from a woman's ovaries. Progestin also thickens the mucus in a woman's cervix, which blocks sperm from making its way to an egg.
Is the IUD an effective form of birth control?
Absolutely. IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they choose either type of IUD.
What about using IUDs as emergency contraception?
The ParaGard IUD can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 99.9 percent if inserted within five days after unprotected intercourse.
Will an IUD protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No. It's very important to remember that an IUD will not prevent you from contracting an STI. IUDs prevent pregnancy, but use a latex or a female condom to reduce your risk of infection.
Are they safe?
Yes. Most women who use IUDs have no complications. However, as all medical devices have some risks, it is really important to discuss your situation with your health care provider. And sometimes, younger women cannot use an IUD because their uterus is too small. So your health care provider will be able to tell you if an IUD is a good choice for you.
What are the advantages of choosing an IUD?
Well to start, the IUD is one of the most affordable, longest-lasting forms of birth control. And beyond that
- There's no need to insert something into the vagina before sex. Some women say this causes them to worry less and enjoy themselves more!
- The ParaGard IUD does not change a woman's hormone levels.
- The Mirena IUD may reduce cramps during your period. And get this: on average, menstrual flow is reduced by 90 percent! Some women even stop getting their periods altogether.
- A woman's ability to get pregnant returns quickly after an IUD is removed.
In the end, 99 percent of women who choose IUDs are happy that they did.
Are there disadvantages?
Just as an IUD can change your period for the better, it could have less desirable effects:
- Many women experience spotting between periods.
- ParaGard may cause an increase in menstrual flow.
- IUDs can cause cramps and backaches.
- In the unlikely case you become pregnant with an IUD in place, there's an increased risk of problems that might be serious, like ectopic pregnancy.
Is there any risk of serious problems if I choose the IUD?
IUDs are generally safe, and serious problems are very rare. But there are three main things to watch out for in the unlikely case there's a problem.
- IUDs can slip out of the uterus and become ineffective. This is more likely to happen to younger women.
- A woman could develop an infection when the IUD is inserted. Though it's rare, if the infection goes untreated it could affect her fertility later on.
- Very rarely, the IUD can push through the wall of the uterus. Usually your health care provider will notice and fix it right away. If not, the IUD could harm other parts of the body, and surgery could be necessary.
Usually, complications are totally treatable. So pay attention to your body after having an IUD inserted, and tell your health care provider as soon as possible if you
- check your IUD and find the length of the string ends to be different than they were when the IUD was inserted
- can't feel the string ends
- feel the hard plastic bottom of the "T" part of the IUD against the cervix
- think you might be pregnant
- have periods that are much heavier than normal or last much longer than normal
- have severe abdominal cramping, pain, or tenderness
- have pain or bleeding during sex
- have unexplained fever and/or chills
- have flu-like symptoms, like muscle aches or tiredness
- have unusual vaginal discharge
- have a missed, late, or unusually light period
- have unexplained vaginal bleeding
How soon after getting an IUD can I have sex, and when does it start protecting against pregnancy?
You can have sex immediately after having an IUD inserted, so it's up to you! The ParaGard IUD offers protection right away. The Mirena IUD is effective immediately if it's inserted within seven days after the start of your period. If you have it inserted at any other time during your menstrual cycle, you'll need a backup form of birth control for the first week.
Do I need to do anything after my IUD is inserted?
Yes. You should visit your health care provider for a checkup after your first period with your IUD. And at your regular exams, always tell your health care provider you are using an IUD so he or she can make sure everything is alright, and help you keep track of when you'll need to have it replaced.
You'll also need to do some work yourself, by checking your IUD. When you check, you're looking for the string ends of the IUD, which hang down through the cevix into the vagina. Locating them helps you tell that the IUD is still where it's supposed to be.
If an IUD is going to slip out of place, it usually happens in the first few months. It's also most likely to happen during your period, so keep an eye on your pads, tampons, or cups when you change them.
You can check between periods, and it's especially important to do so every few days for the first few months.
What happens when I want to get my IUD removed?
It's a very simple process, but it must be performed by your health care provider — never try to do it yourself or have a friend or boyfriend do it for you.
Where can I get an IUD and how much does it cost?
Only a health care provider can give you an IUD.
An IUD can be a really good investment. It's the most inexpensive long-term and reversible form of birth control that exists. This is mainly because you only pay for your IUD at the beginning. The cost of the medical exam, the IUD, and follow-up care can range from $175 to $500. That may sound like a lot, but remember, that one-time cost pays for protection that can last from five to 12 years.
Some health insurance plans may cover the cost. And in general, family planning clinics tend to charge less than private health care providers.
Which do you choose?
Remember, there are a lot of birth control options out there, and we're all very lucky for that! But lots of choices involve a little extra responsibility when it comes to do doing your homework before you choose one. So before you make a decision about your birth control, be sure to get all the facts first.
To make an appointment at a Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN. Or find us online. |
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