THE INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE (IUD)
The intrauterine device is a device placed in the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy. There are several types of IUDs, but there are two main types, hormonal IUDs and the copper IUD. The hormonal IUD must be replaced every 3-5 years. The copper IUD can remain in your body for as long as 15 years. As soon as the IUD is removed, it no longer protects against pregnancy.
The IUD is more effective than most other forms of birth control. However, the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The IUD is a very popular method of birth control throughout the world.
HOW AN IUD WORKS
Both types of IUDs are T-shaped, but they work in different ways. The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of a hormone into the uterus. This thickens the cervical mucus, which decreases the chance that the sperm will enter the cervix. It may make the sperm less active and make the sperm and the egg less likely to be able to live in the fallopian tube. It also thins the lining of the uterus. This keeps a fertilized egg from attaching and makes menstrual periods lighter.
The copper IUD prevents the egg from being fertilized or attaching to the wall of the uterus. The copper also prevents sperm from going through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes and reduces the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
INSERTING THE IUD
A doctor must insert and remove the IUD. Your doctor will perform a routine exam to make sure the IUD is right for you. Some women may not be able to use an IUD. The size or shape of a woman’s uterus may not be compatible with the IUD.
Insertion of the IUD is not painful and takes only a few minutes. Once the IUD is inserted, the doctor will show you how to check that it is in place. Each IUD comes with a string or “tail” made of a thin plastic thread. You will be able to tell the placement of the IUD by the location of this string.
It is important to check the string, to do this, you must insert a finger into your vagina and feel around for the string. You can do this at any time but doing it right after your menstrual period is easy to remember. If you do not feel the string or if you feel the IUD, call your doctor.
The hormonal IUD may help decrease and, in some cases, treat menstrual pain and bleeding. It also may be used to help treat menopause symptoms in some women.
SIDE EFFECTS
With the copper IUD, the period may be mildly heavier than normal, but these side effects are decreased with the hormonal IUD. Some women have some cramping and spotting during the first few weeks after the IUD is inserted, but these symptoms commonly disappear within a month or two.
No form of contraception is 100% effective. Rarely, a pregnancy may occur with an IUD in place. If pregnancy occurs, there is an increased risk that it may be an ectopic pregnancy. However, pregnancy may go to term with an IUD in place. If you are using an IUD and think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about your options and risks.