What Is Good About The Copper Iud
- It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
- Once inserted you will only need to check the string each month.
- It can last up to 10 years.
- You can use it while breastfeeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- The device can be taken out at any time by a doctor or nurse.
- Once removed your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
- It is a choice for those who do not want to use hormonal contraception.
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Pros Of The Copper Iud:
The copper IUD permits normal, healthy ovulation, and thats a good thing because ovulation is how women make hormones.
Its more effective than almost any other method, with a failure rate of just 0.6 percent.
After insertion, you dont need to do anything or take anything, and it lasts up to ten years.
Its effective as emergency contraception.
Mirena And Your Hormones
Weve talked before about issues with birth control pills, and Ill admit that while they are one of the oldest forms of hormonal birth control, they are probably my LEAST favourite.
In 2020 many more women are aware of the concerns with the pill, and they are unwilling to accept the common side effects the weight gain, breast tenderness, mood changes, zero libido, migraines, and more. So whats a woman to do?
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The Best Way To Prevent Another Unwanted Pregnancy
After having an abortion, I decided the copper IUD could be the best way to prevent another unwanted pregnancy, since hormonal contraception didn’t work well for me.
The insertion was smoothâjust an uncomfortable pinch and it was done. The positive side was to be able to stop using hormones altogether and also to spend long periods without worrying about an unwanted pregnancy. The negative side was the intense, painful cramps and the heavy flow that eventually caused anemia.
I removed it after 10 years of use because of anemia caused by the heavy bleeding. Be sure to visit your doctor regularly and get your iron levels checked, as the heavy bleeding can cause anemia.âAnonymous, female, 35, Portugal
How Is An Iud Removed
Your doctor will take out the IUD in their office. It should only take a few minutes. Youâll put your feet in stirrups and the doctor will use forceps to slowly pull the IUD out. You may have some cramping and bleeding, but this should go away in 1-2 days. Learn more about what to expect with IUD removal.
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals: Health Matters Fact Sheets: Copper T IUD,Non-hormonal Contraceptive Methods.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy: IUD.
American Academy of Family Physicians: Intrauterine Device .
Planned Parenthood: âIUD,â When does an IUD start working?
Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation: The Intrauterine Device .
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception : IUD and Implant.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs: Intrauterine Device Fact Sheet.
FDA: Birth Control: Medicines To Help You.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy: Paragard Vs Mirena: Which IUD Is Best For You?
Center for Young Womenâs Health: âIntra-Uterine Devices .â
Contraception: âThe safety of intrauterine devices among young women: a systematic review.â
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What If I Am Using The Hormonal Iud And I Want To Become Pregnant
The hormonal IUD can be removed at any time by a trained doctor or a nurse. Your fertility will quickly return to what is normal for you.
If you are using the internet for information, only use reliable and reputable websites, such as the ones provided above.
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Which Releases Less Hormones: The Pill Or Iud
So how exactly do the hormones in the IUD compare to the those in the pill? IUDs have only progestin and most IUDs release less than 20 micrograms of the hormone each day. In comparison, the birth control pill has 1 milligram of progestin and 0.02 to 0.06 milligrams of estrogen. According to Dr. Howe, most studies have shown that in women with IUDs there are typically none of progestin in their bloodso the majority of the hormones do stay in the uterus and pelvic areahaving only local effects. The copper IUD contains no hormones and the progestin-releasing IUDs have minimal amounts of progestin, when compared to oral contraception, and work primarily within the uterus with minimal absorption in the bloodstream, said Dr. Ross.
Short answer: The IUD emits significantly less hormones than the pill.
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Can I Get Pregnant After The Iud Is Taken Out
Yes, you will be able to get pregnant as soon as the IUD is taken out.
Pregnancy is very rare with an IUD in place. If you do get pregnant with an IUD in, there is no extra risk for your baby, but there is a risk of complication in the pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. It is best to remove the IUD.
Can It Cause Heavier Periods
Copper IUDs are associated with heavy bleeding, particularly in the first 3 to 6 months after insertion. After 6 months, many people find that their periods return to their pre-IUD state.
If your bleeding is heavy or happening at other times in your cycle, talk to your healthcare professional. Your doctor may need to evaluate if theres another underlying cause that needs to be addressed.
IUD removal is quick and easy. Your doctor will grasp the IUDs string with a medical instrument to pull it down. As they pull, the arms of the device will be drawn upward, making exertion smooth.
It literally takes just a few seconds, says Gersh.
Occasionally, the string will be too short to grab, or it will be up in the uterus. In that case, your doctor will use a smaller medical tool to reach it.
If the patient cant tolerate the discomfort of getting the string with a hook, then you would have to do a hysteroscopy, which is an invasive procedure that involves anesthetics but this is very, very rare, says Gersh.
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But There Are Potential Cons Too
- The insertion procedure can be mildly to moderately painful. I recommend that people take ibuprofen beforehand, says Dr. Brant. It doesnt actually help with the pain during the insertion, but it does help with the cramping afterward.
- With either type, during the first few months, you may experience irregular bleeding and/or cramping. You can continue to take 600 to 800 mg of ibuprofen every six to eight hours for this as well, Dr. Brant says. (NOTE: If the pain persists or gets worse and ibuprofen isnt cutting it, and/or youre soaking through a pad or more an hour, youll need to see your doctor right away.
- Irregular bleeding and/or cramping that hasnt gone away after three months may result in your doctor putting you on ibuprofen for one to three months to alleviate pain and decrease bleeding or temporarily prescribing birth control pills to help regulate your cycle.
- If you do get pregnant with an IUD , your risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher.
- Youll need to see your doctor for another procedure to get the IUD taken out.
- An IUD isnt recommended if you have an abnormally shaped uterus since placing it is more difficult and increases the risk of perforation.
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What Is An Iud
An IUD is a form of birth control. Its about the size of a quarter and is inserted into the uterus, where it stays for several years to prevent pregnancy. There are hormonal and nonhormonal options available.
Inserting an IUD is done by a doctor, and the process only takes a few minutes. The procedure can be painful or uncomfortable. Side effects may include cramping, backaches, dizziness, and discomfort. Some people experience these side effects for a couple of days after insertion, while others experience them for weeks or months.
The IUD can be removed quickly by a doctor if you want to become pregnant or if it expires and needs to be replaced.
Most IUDs start working immediately after insertion, though some take around 7 days to become effective.
You can still have sex and use tampons with an IUD. You may also continue to menstruate, though some people experience a lighter or heavier flow. Some people experience no period at all with an IUD.
There are five options to choose from: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard. They can be divided into two main types: hormonal and copper .
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It Also Depends On The Type Of Iud You Get
There are four hormonal IUDs Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla and one copper IUD ParaGard.
Hormonal IUDs may make your periods lighter. Some people dont get periods at all while on them.
Copper IUDs often make periods heavier and crampier. However, this may not be a permanent change. Your period may return to its usual state after about six months.
Hormonal birth control can throw off your menstrual cycle. At first, your periods may be heavier than usual. Eventually, the bleeding should get lighter.
How Long Do Mirena Side Effects Last
In many cases, unwanted effects of the Mirena IUD are not long-term. According to Planned Parenthood, common side effects such as spotting between periods and cramping typically get better in 36 months.
Meanwhile, a person might want to have some side effects of Mirena, such as lighter periods or none at all. Research suggests that these are usually long-term changes for people who experience them while using the IUD.
Serious complications, such as PID, typically develop shortly after the person starts using the IUD often within the first month. These issues are uncommon.
Speak with a doctor about any severe or persistent symptoms that occur during Mirena IUD use.
The Mirena IUD releases the hormone levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone. Levonorgestrel works by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus, which prevents pregnancy from taking place. This synthetic hormone can also prevent ovulation, though it does not always have this effect.
The Mirena IUD has several key advantages. It:
However, there are some disadvantages, such as the:
- insertion procedure, which can be painful
- possibility of unwanted effects
- small risk of infection and other complications
- symptoms that may occur after the IUD is removed
It can take some time after a doctor removes the Mirena IUD for periods to return to normal. Also, some people experience a Mirena crash, which involves changes to their mood, sleep, weight, and skin health.
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What Is Good About The Hormonal Iud
- It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
- Once inserted you will only need to check the string each month.
- It can last up to 5 years or longer if you have it inserted from 45 years of age.
- You can use it while breast feeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- Most users have no vaginal bleeding at all or very light bleeding.
- Periods may be less painful.
- It can be taken out at any time by a doctor or nurse.
- Once removed your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
- It is another contraceptive option if you have difficulty taking the hormone oestrogen. The Pill and vaginal ring contain oestrogen and progestogen. The hormonal IUD only contains progestogen.
Expulsionyour Uterus Kicks It Out
Expulsion occurs after an IUD is placed and is your uterus pushing the device out. Hormonal IUDs, like the Mirena, come with a 3-6 percent expulsion rate in the first year. Comparatively, the copper IUD is associated with a 3-10 percent risk of expulsion in the first year.
Who is at risk of IUD expulsion?
Women with a history of heavy or incredibly painful periods are at higher risk of expulsion. Postpartum women may also be at higher risk for expulsion.
If youve already had IUD expulsion then it is estimated that your risk of another is about fourteen percent.
What are the symptoms of expulsion?
More than the usual cramping, either with your period or outside of menses, can be a sign of expulsion. If you experience a significant increase in bleeding, continuous spotting, new vaginal discharge then youll want to see your doctor and possibly have a transvaginal ultrasound to check out where your IUD is currently residing.
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What Happens If I Get Pregnant While Im Using An Iud
If you become pregnant while you are using an IUD, it is important that you see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible and have the IUD removed. The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a pregnancy in your fallopian tubes .
If the IUD is removed, you can choose to continue or terminate the pregnancy . If the IUD is not removed and you continue with the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of losing the pregnancy or delivering the baby early.
How To Tell If Its Still In Place
The GP or nurse that fits your IUS will teach you how to feel for these threads and check that the IUS is still in place.
Check your IUS is in place a few times in the first month and then after each period, at regular intervals.
Itâs very unlikely that your IUS will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads or think itâs moved, you may not be protected against pregnancy.
See a GP or nurse straight away and use additional contraception, such as condoms, until your IUS has been checked.
If youâve had sex recently, you may need emergency contraception.
Your partner should not be able to feel your IUS during sex. If they can, see a GP or nurse for a check-up.
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No Hormones And Its A Long Term Solution That I Don’t Have To Think About
I got my IUD in July of this year, it’s a copper one called Mona Lisa. I chose it because thereâs no hormones and itâs a long term solution that I don’t have to think about. It hurt a lot when I got it inserted but by the next day I felt normal. My first period was painful and I lost a lot of blood but since then I’ve been totally normal.âNiki, female, 25 Switzerland
Safe For Use In A Wide Range Of Women Including Women With Certain Medical Conditions
Before starting the Paragard IUD, you should share your full medical history with your healthcare provider to find out if Paragard is right for you.
According to the CDC recommendations, Paragard may be used with no restriction in over 20 preexisting characteristics and medical conditions including but not limited to:
- Breast cancer
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Can You Feel The Iud During Sex How Will The Iud Affect My Sex Life
For many womenespecially if they tend to look for the most natural path possiblethe thought of a wiry device in their uterus can be a lot to wrap their head around. Can you feel it? or Does it poke during sex? are some frequently asked questions. According to Dr. Howe the strings on the IUD can be pulled, but its very rare. It is also possible that your partner will feel it during sex, but most of the time the strings soften and the device is impossible to detect. If a woman is extremely sensitive to progestin, the IUD can cause a reduction in natural estrogen, which can cause low libido and vaginal dryness. But again, this is very rare and can usually be remedied by your gynecologist.
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How Does The Mirena Work
The Mirena IUD, like all hormonal IUDs, contains a synthetic hormone called Levonorgestrel, a progestin, that it slowly releases in your body over time. While progestin sounds like progesterone, it is not, nor does it behave like progesterone in your body.
Instead, the progestin released thins the lining of your uterus, the endometrium, so a fertilized egg would be unable to implant. This is one way in which women have lighter or absent periods while using a hormonal IUD.
It is also designed to stop ovulation by suppressing the production of two brain hormonesFollicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone . FSH and LH work together to mature an egg and trigger ovulation. They are also responsible for signaling the rise and fall of your hormones. It also thickens cervical secretions, making it difficult for sperm to make it to the egg in the event ovulation does occur.
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