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The Pros and Cons of Choosing an IUD Contraceptive Device

IUD or also called intrauterine device is a female contraceptive. It is a small t-shaped device, which is made from flexible plastic. IUDs are inserted into the female uterus and are only available by prescription.

IUDs get inserted into the uterus, where the prevent pregnancy through preventing the sperm to join with and egg. In the United States there are essentially only two types of IUDs available. The one is ParaGard, and the other one is Mirena. ParaGard contains copper in its device and can be left in place for up to 12 years. Mirena contains hormones, which are released in small amounts on a continuous base. Mirena releases the hormone progestin and is effective for up to five years.

The hormone in Mirena actually thickens the mucus in the cervix area and therefore prevents the sperm form entering the mucus. In some women, Mirena even prevents ovulation. Another way IUDs prevent pregnancy is through alteration of the uterus lining. This way, if an egg is released and sperm reached the egg, the alteration of the lining prevents the egg form implantation.

IUDs are very effective and actually are the most effective reversible contraceptive method. Only one or fewer in hundred women get pregnant on an IUD within the first year and even less with continuing use.

IUDs definitely have advantages over other contraceptive methods. With the thought that there is nothing to be put in place and there is nor remember of taking the contraceptive is a big advantage. An IUD gets inserted by the physician and stays in the uterus until the physician removes it again. The intrauterine device is the most popular form of reversible birth control in the world with more than 85 million women using them. When you are using ParaGard, there are no additional hormones added to your system and therefore your hormone levels are not changed through medication.

Mirena IUDs actually reduce or completely stop the menstrual flow for women and therefore no tampons or pads are needed. Should you decide to want a child, the IUD can be removed very quickly and fertility returns often even faster than with oral contraceptives. Also, a big advantage is the privacy of the IUD. Since it is inserted into your body at your physicians’ office, no one can tell that you are using one.

There are a few cons for IUDs, but hose are generally minor. For one, many physicians do not recommend an IUD if you never have had a child before. Essentially this is more related to either old myths or the size of the uterus. The size of a uterus as a teen might be too small and therefore the physician might advice you not to use an IUD. The rest of the cons are more related to the few known complications. Occasionally an IUD can slip out of the uterus. This is generally more likely for younger women and women that have never had a baby. In this case, a woman can of course get pregnant. This is called expulsion and if the IUD is only partially expulsed it has to be removed by your physician.

Very rarely, but it can happen, is the fact that the IUD can be inserted in such a way that it perforates the uterus lining. This is not painful and can be corrected right away. But in a few of this cases where perforation is not detected, it can move to other organs and cause more severe damage there. Another rather rare complication form insertion is pelvic infection. This can happen if your physician did not work clean enough or you had exposure to sexually transmitted infections.

In general, the benefits for women through IUDs are greater than the disadvantages and therefore as mentioned are a great addition, freedom and safety to a woman’s lifestyle.