Birth Control IUD

IUD stands for Intra-Uterine Device. An IUD is a small piece of plastic, sometimes also containing copper or hormones, that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can be left in place for many years.

How IUD's Work

IUD's prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping sperm from fertilizing an egg. There are two types of IUD's available in the United States as of 2006:

• Copper (brand name Paragard)
• Hormonal (brand name Mirena)

Paragard copper IUD's release very small amounts of copper into the uterus. The copper immobilizes sperm so that they can not swim very well. It makes it difficult for sperm to enter an egg. The Paragard IUD also seems to change the lining of the uterus in a way that interferes with normal egg and sperm movement. It does not prevent ovulation. Paragard IUD's last for 10 years.

Mirena hormonal IUD's release a hormone called levonorgestrel. According to the manufacturer, it's not clear exactly how it prevents pregnancy, but it's probably a combination of effects. The hormone causes thickening of the mucus made by the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus. The thickened mucus makes it difficult for sperm to get through. The hormone also thins the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg can't implant and grow into a baby. The hormone may also prevent ovulation. Mirena IUD's last for five years.

Effectiveness of IUD's

Birth control IUD is a reliable choice for birth control. Paragard copper IUD's are over 99% effective. In one year of use, fewer than one in 100 women will become pregnant. Mirena hormonal IUD's are considered 99.9% effective. About one in 1,000 women per year will become pregnant while using Mirena.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and IUD's

In the 1970's, a certain type of IUD was associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious infection of the reproductive organs. It can lead to infertility or even death. PID is usually caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea, which are sexually transmitted diseases. Women who had IUD's seemed to be more likely to get PID.

Modern IUD's are made differently. They do appear to increase the risk of PID during the first few months after insertion, but after that the risk returns to normal.

Side Effects of IUD's

The hormonal IUD may cause bleeding between periods during the first few months of use. After that, periods may become lighter.

The copper IUD can cause heavy, longer periods and menstrual cramping during the first few months. Eventually, periods usually return to normal or become lighter.

Who Can Use IUD's?

Women with certain medical conditions should not use IUD's. The details are a little different for each type. In general, you should not use an IUD if you:

• Are pregnant or think you might be
• Have a uterus that is not shaped normally
• Recently have had an infection in your uterus or cervix
• Have cancer of the uterus or cervix
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have a high risk of PID (for example, if you have many sexual partners and do not use condoms)

IUD's are usually recommended for women who have had at least one child and are in monogamous relationships. Women who have never had a child have a higher rate of cramping, bleeding, or other complications.

You can find more information at web sites by the manufacturers of Paragard and Mirena.

Getting an IUD

An IUD must be inserted by a trained medical professional. An appointment for an IUD usually includes:

• A gynecological exam
• A medical and sexual history
• The chance to ask questions about the IUD and what to expect
• Placement of the IUD

To have the IUD inserted, you'll be positioned as if you were having a gynecological exam. You'll lie down on the examining table and place your feet in stirrups. Your doctor will use a speculum to hold your vagina open and another instrument to hold your cervix in place. Then he or she will use a thin tube to insert the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus. The IUD will spring into shape inside your uterus. It's normal to have some cramps during insertion of the IUD.

After the birth control IUD is placed, it begins working right away.

The Cost of an IUD

Placement of an IUD, including the initial office visit, costs several hundred dollars. But, it can work out to be a very affordable method of birth control because the IUD can be left in place for many years. For many women, an IUD is less expensive than using birth control pills for the same amount of time.

Some insurance companies cover the cost of a birth control IUD.

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