Cons Of The Hormonal Iud:
Hormonal IUDs can damage the vaginal microbiome and increase the risk of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Hormonal IUDs suppresses ovulation some of the time.
Hormonal IUDs can cause irregular bleeding and spotting during the first three to six months of use. After that, they may suppress bleeding entirely or permit a light natural menstrual period.
Insertion might be painful. But just to clarify: IUD is an in-office procedure that takes just a few minutesits not surgery. Youll probably be instructed to take a painkiller like ibuprofen to ease the cramping, or your doctor may decide to use a local anesthetic .
Hormonal IUDs can come out. The chance of expulsion is 5 percent but more likely immediately following childbirth and during breastfeeding.
Hormonal IUDs carry a small risk of uterine perforation, which could lead to surgery. The chance of perforation is 0.1 percent but more likely if during breastfeeding.
Hormonal IUDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease but only during the first three weeks after insertion, and only if you have a pre-existing infection with gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Hormonal IUDs must be removed by a doctor. See my copper IUD post for more information about IUD removal.
Hormonal IUDs cannot protect against sexually transmitted infections.
How Is A Coil Removed
This is usually very straightforward. If you do not wish to be pregnant please ensure that you have used contraception for one week prior to your coil removal.
Sometimes women are asked to see us because their usual doctor has been unable to remove their coil. In this case we would ask you to take painkillers before your appointment.
How Long Can I Leave My Iud In
An IUD can stay in place for three, five or 10 years before it needs to be replaced, depending on the type of IUD. When you have it put in, the nurse or doctor will tell you when you will need to have it replaced.
You may be able to keep the IUD longer if you are in your 40s. If you get a copper IUD put in after you turn 40 or a hormonal IUD put in after you turn 45, your IUD may be able to stay in place until menopause. Ask the nurse or doctor if this is an option for you.
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What Are The Benefits Of Non
The copper IUD is really good at preventing pregnancy, and its totally hormone free. So its a good option for people who prefer non-hormonal birth control, or cant use methods with hormones because of medical reasons.
The copper IUD is unique because it can be used as emergency contraception a way to prevent pregnancy AFTER unprotected sex. Paragard IUDs are the most effective form of emergency contraception. If you get one inserted within 120 hours after having unprotected sex, its more than 99.9% effective against pregnancy. And you can leave your copper IUD in to keep preventing pregnancy for as long as you want, up to 12 years.
There are lots of other benefits to IUDs too. Theyre super convenient once your copper IUD is in place, you dont have to think about birth control for up to 12 years. IUDs are also one of the most effective methods of birth control you can get. Theyre more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. But if you decide you want to get pregnant, you can get your IUD removed whenever you want and your fertility will go back to what’s normal for you right away.
How Do You Use It
If you want to get an IUD, the first thing youll need to do is talk with your health care provider. They will ask you a bunch of questions about your medical history and your lifestyle, then give you an exam to make sure the IUD is right for you.
You can get the IUD inserted any time of the month. Some providers like to insert it during your period, but any time is fine as long as you can be sure youre not pregnant. It may be the most comfortable to get it done during the middle of your period, if you can believe that.
Its pretty common to feel some cramps when you get an IUD inserted, but theyll go away with rest or pain medication. Some people might feel dizzy, too. Once the IUD is in, youll notice a little string that hangs down into your vagina. Thats there so that the IUD can be removed later.
After its in, theres really not much you have to do other than check the string ends from time to time to make sure its in place. Heres how:
p.s. Dont tug on the strings! If you do, the IUD could move out of place.
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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
Choosing The Best Iud
Choosing the best IUD for you is a very personal decision. It is helpful to consider what your periods are like when you arent on any kind of hormonal birth control. Are they really heavy and painful? If so, Mirena or Liletta could be great options. Do you want to keep getting your period every month? If so, Paragard and Kyleena might be good.
Your Midwest Center for Womens Healthcare provider can answer any additional questions that you have and help you make your decision about the right IUD for you.
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What Hormonal Iud Side Effects Should I Expect
Hormonal IUDs can cause side effects. But for most people, thats actually a good thing the most common hormonal IUD side effects usually help make your periods better.
Hormonal IUDs can cut down on cramps and PMS, and they usually make your periods much lighter. Some people stop getting their periods at all while they have their IUD . In fact, many people get hormonal IUDs to help with heavy or painful periods, to treat symptoms of endometriosis or PCOS, or because they just dont want to bleed every month.
Other hormonal IUD side effects can include:
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Pain when the IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after
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spotting between periods
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irregular periods
These usually go away within 36 months, once your body gets used to the new visitor in your uterus. And they dont happen to everyone many people use hormonal IUDs with no problems at all.
Over-the-counter pain medicine can usually help with IUD cramps. If you have cramping that doesnt get better or is really painful, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may need to check to make sure that your IUD is in the right place.
The changes in your periods while you have your IUD can make some people worry about how theyll know theyre not pregnant. But you dont really need to worry about being pregnant even if you dont get a period, because the IUD is really good at what it does its more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Pro: Its Ready When You Are
Having an IUD means that as long as youre practicing safer sex, you can be spontaneous without worrying about pregnancy. Your IUD offers reliable contraception for years at a time. The copper IUD starts working instantly.
Hormone-releasing IUDs should be removed and replaced every 3-10 years, depending on the brand. The copper-wrapped IUD can stay in place and offer continuous protection for up to 12 years.
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The Benefits Of Copper Iuds: Paragard
The copper IUD, or ParaGard, is also like a uterus fort! But minus the side effects from hormones. While the copper IUD similarly takes up space in the uterus to prevent implantation of fertilized eggs, the small amount of copper also âimpairs sperm motilityâ or its ability to wiggle its way inside your womb.ParaGard is 99.2-99.4 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
Besides successfully telling sperm it may not pass on a regular basis, the copper IUD can also act as emergency contraception if inserted 5-7 days after unprotected sex. It also lessens the risk of endometrial cancer. It is the only hormone-free birth control option for women that doesn’t require her to rely on her partner or momentarily stop sexual activity to utilize a barrier method. And, again, it lasts for up to 10 YEARS.As you can see, there are so many reasons why women turn to the IUD and love their IUDs. However, like every other single form of birth control, there are reasons why it may not be right for you or why you may end up removing it.
The Benefits Of Hormonal Iuds: Mirena & Skyla
The two hormonal IUDs are called Mirena and Skyla, ’cause us gals love birth control with fun names! That being said, both work by âreleasing a low amount of the progestin, levonorgestrel,â and the said hormone thickens mucous in the cervix and thins the uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to enter. Skyla is a bit smaller than Mirena, releasing 14 mcg of progestin daily, as opposed to 20 mcg. Both still release less hormones than other birth control options. Moreover, because the IUD is taking up residence in your uterus, fertilized eggs cannot easily implant themselves. It’s like a uterus fort! Mirena is 99.8 effective at preventing pregnancy and Skyla is 99.1 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.Some of the hormonal IUD benefits, aside from the fact that you will not give birth when it’s not part of your life plan, include lighter periods â if any periods. Some women have also reported experiencing less painful cramps, or they report less full-body aches, and instead have cramps in more focused areas. They can reduce endometriosis pain and lessen endometrial cancer risks. Also, the thickening of cervical mucous lessens the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease by making it harder for STIs to enter. But again, use a condom for protection against STIs and HIV.
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How About The Non
The Paragard non-hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy thanks to a tiny copper filament wrapped around the T. Paragard contains no hormones of any kindits the only super-effective non-hormonal birth control method around . Paragard also works as highly effective emergency contraception, so if youre considering an IUD and have had unprotected penis-in-vagina sex in the last 5 days but dont want to be pregnant, that could be another point in its favor.
Most people who use Paragard have heavier, longer, or crampier periods, especially for the first few months. After 6 months, many Paragard users periods return to normal. If you already have really heavy or uncomfortable periods, or you are anemic , you might prefer a hormonal IUD.
The bottom line? IUDs are safe, effective, and totally reversible. Whichever IUD you and your provider decide is best for you, we all win with more long-lasting, low-maintenance birth control options available.
Sara Kennedy, MD, MPH, is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Oakland, California. Originally from Pennsylvania, Sara has studied and lived around the world, including a residency at Northwestern University in Chicago and a masters degree in Australia, where she met her husband! Sara is passionate about womens health, particularly helping women in vulnerable situations obtain the knowledge and resources they need in order to control their reproductive health.
What Are The Kinds Of Non
Theres only one brand of copper IUD in the U.S. Its called the Paragard IUD. It lasts for up to 12 years.
You dont have to keep your IUD for 12 years though you can get your IUD taken out whenever you want. If your IUD is going to expire but you want to keep using an IUD, your nurse or doctor can replace it.
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Non
Non-hormonal IUDs can make your periods heavier and cause cramping, especially in the first 3-6 months. And you may have some IUD cramps when you first get your IUD. For many people, these side effects get better once your body gets used to the IUD. So if you can stick it out for a few months, theres a good chance the side effects will ease up. Read more about side effects.
Its normal to have some cramping during your period with a copper IUD. But if your cramps are really bad and over-the-counter medicine doesnt help, talk with your nurse or doctor. Its also a good idea to call your nurse or doctor if youre still having bad IUD cramps after a year, or you have pain or IUD cramps when youre not on your period this can be a sign your IUD has moved, and they may want to check to make sure its still in place.
IUDs are one of the most effective and convenient ways to prevent pregnancy, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections. So use condoms with your IUD every time you have sex to lower the chance of getting or spreading STDs.
Which Type Of Iud Is Right For You
Deciding which IUD is best for you will depend on many individual factors, your health history, and how long you would like your birth control to last.
If you have heavy periods and would like to shorten or stop them, a hormonal IUD could help with that, Chang says. On the other hand, some people are more sensitive to hormonal birth control and would like to avoid progestin, in which case the copper IUD may be a better fit.
Here are the overall differences between the five IUD options:
The cost of an IUD can range widely depending on your insurance coverage. Talk with your provider about your options and the best choice for you.
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My Iud Makes Me Feel Like A Cyborg In The Best Possible Way
I have a copper Paragard and have had it for just over a year. I got an IUD after I miscarried an unintended pregnancy. I had to have a D& C to resolve the miscarriage and my healthcare practitioner counseled to consider inserting the IUD after the D& C to minimize both physical and emotional trauma and to combine the recovery into one experience rather than two. Ultimately, I think this was a great decision and I’m grateful for her advice.
The fact that I was pregnant unintentionally showed me that my previous birth control method wasn’t working for me and it was important for me to be in control of my fertility.
Overall Iâm happy with the Paragard, and the peace of mind that comes with not having to make birth control decisions in the moment.
I had terribly painful cramps and very heavy bleeding during my periods for the six months following insertion, however, each period became more manageable and about a year out, my periods are back to my pre-insertion normal.
What Are The Side Effects And Benefits
There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyones differentso what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.
The Positive
Positive side effects? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.
- Easy to use
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Is A Hormonal Iud Like Mirena Good For Those With Pcos
Mirena is a hormonal IUD. It is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years. Possibly the most appealing feature for women with PCOS is that periods may become shorter or lighter or may stop all together over time. For those who have endometriosis or heavy periods, this is most welcome.
Mirena uses progestin which is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone to prevent pregnancy. Progestin thins the uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus, and inhibits sperm movement. It can partially suppress ovulation as well and can prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.
The introduction of synthetic hormones is not something I recommend. There is a big difference between your bodys natural progesterone and synthetic progestin. Learn more about the difference here.
Mirena is generally considered safe, but there is a low risk of side effects including headache, acne, breast tenderness, and mood changes such as anxiety or depression. Anecdotally, some women associate symptoms such as low libido, hair loss, weight gain, yeast infections, and chronic pelvic pain.
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Why Consider A Birth Control Option Without Estrogen
There are several reasons why you might want to consider a birth control option that doesnt contain synthetic estrogen. For some its a medical decision, as birth control containing estrogen isnt recommended for women who are:
- Over 35 and smoke
- Affected by medical conditions such as problems with circulation
- Prone to migraine with aura
For others, the decision to choose birth control without estrogen might be because of unwanted hormonal birth control side effects, or may be a lifestyle change motivated by the desire to go completely hormone-free.
Whatever the reason, if youre considering switching birth control methods, its worth having a frank discussion with your doctor about your contraceptive options to find the best method for you. In the meantime, check out some of the options you might want to consider:
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