British Columbia Specific Information
Birth control can help prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available. Speak with your health care provider to help decide which type is right for you and your partner.
Hormone-based birth control contains hormones such as estrogen and progestin. Certain medications may make your hormone-based birth control not work properly or not at all. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #91a Hormonal Contraception and using other medications at the same time.
Emergency contraception helps to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or failed birth control. For more information about emergency contraception, see HealthLinkBC File #91b Emergency Contraception .
Birth control cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections , but using a condom will reduce your risk. For more information about birth control and sexual health, visit Options for Sexual Health and Smart Sex Resource. To learn more about STIs, see our HealthLinkBC Files – Sexually Transmitted Infections Series.
You may also call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse or pharmacist. Our nurses are available anytime of the day, every day of the year. Our pharmacists are available every night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Signs An Iud Is Right For Youand 5 It Isnt
Maybe a friend recently sang the praises of her IUD, an excited gleam in her eyes as she tried to get you to join the club. Perhaps youve had a few too many broken condoms ruining the moment. Or maybe you want the option of an incredibly effective, reversible, yet hormone-free method of birth control.
There are plenty of reasons why you might consider an IUD, but before you settle on one, there are few things you need to know.
IUDs are split into two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs use varying levels of progestin, the synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, to prevent pregnancy. Progestin thins your uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus so its harder for sperm to swim through, and partially suppresses ovulation so sometimes theres no egg to be fertilized in the first place, according to the Mayo Clinic. Theres only one non-hormonal IUD, ParaGard, which releases copper that bathes the lining of your uterus, creating an inflammatory reaction thats toxic to sperm, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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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How Should Paragard Be Taken
ParaGard is placed in your uterus during an office visit. Your healthcare provider first examines you to find the position of your uterus. Next, he or she will cleanse your vagina and cervix, measure your uterus, and then slide a plastic tube containing ParaGard into your uterus. The tube is removed, leaving ParaGard inside your uterus. Two white threads extend into your vagina. The threads are trimmed so they are just long enough for you to feel with your fingers when doing a self-check. As ParaGard goes in, you may feel cramping or pinching. Some women feel faint, nauseated, or dizzy for a few minutes afterwards. Your healthcare provider may ask you to lie down for a while and toget up slowly.
If You Take The Pill The Human Way Over 10 Years You Have A 61% Chance Of Getting Pregnant
Millions of women across the globe, from Melbourne to Mumbai, woke up this morning and punched a small pill out of its packet. They must remember to take one nearly every day, which is surprisingly difficult.
Theoretically, the combined contraceptive pill gives women less than a 1% chance of becoming pregnant in any given year. In reality, most of us accidentally miss around five pills each month so the rate of pregnancy is actually more like 9%. That means that if you take the pill the human way for 10 years, you have a 61% chance of getting pregnant overall. In other words, more likely than not, you will get pregnant. .
Millions of women rely on the contraceptive pill, but not all realise that there is a 61% chance of becoming pregnant on it over a decade
By one estimate, reliance on oral contraceptives leads to 960,000 pregnancies every year. There are also side effects, such as an increased risk of potentially life-changing blood clots and a faded sense of wellbeing.
The issue of compliance is common to most contraception, from condoms to the contraceptive patch. Human nature being what it is, these just arent used in real life as they are intended.
Anna Foley, from New Zealand, decided to get a hormonal IUD a few years ago. In general for me, I loved it because I always sucked at remembering to take the pill, she says. Plus I found that I had some negative side effects to the hormones, while the Mirena had a lower dose.
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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
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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Are There Any Side Effects From Using The Hormonal Iud
Possible side effects include:
- When it is first inserted some users have period-type cramping that usually settles after a few days.
- Sometimes the IUD can come out. This is more common in the first 3 months of it being inserted.
- Your period will change. Spotting or frequent bleeding is common in the first 3 to 6 months. By 6 months around 95% of users will have a light regular period or no bleeding at all .
- You may experience tender breasts, headaches, skin changes and mood changes. These side effects nearly always settle with time. The hormonal IUD has not been shown to cause weight gain.
For Four Months My Periods Were Unbearable Now I Have No Pain At All
I didnât want to worry about having kids yet, so in December 2017 I got a Lydia copper IUD . The insertion was mildly painful, and for four months afterwards, my periods were unbearable: painful, heavy and I felt weak. Now, I have no pain at all, and my period is only heavy on day two. I was prepared for the worst but overall, I would do this again. My advice? Do a lot of research, ask the gyno questions and just listen to your body.âEnyi, cis woman, 23, Lagos, Nigeria
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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.
What Do Our Reviewers Say
One of the great things about The Lowdown is that real contraception users tell us their thoughts on the contraception they have tried, which we hope helps you make a better decision when you are considering going on or coming off one.
For the Mirena coil, more than half of females said it stopped their periods completely but for the copper coil, the majority said their periods became heavier.
Nearly half of reviewers said the Mirena coil neither improved or worsened their moods and 63% said the same for the copper coil.
Just below half said the Mirena coil caused no change to their sex drive, 11% said it increased and 27% said they felt a loss in their sex drive. For the Copper coil, 70% of females said there was no change in their sex drive, 10% said there was an increase and 13% said there was a drop.
One of the most common side effects when immediately having the Mirena coil put in was vaginal discharge. Of the 47% reviewers who said they had vaginal discharge, 4% said they had it a great deal, 14% quite a bit and 24% a bit.
Likewise, the same side effect was reported as the most common for the Copper coil right after insertion. Of the 47% who said it was a side effect, 9% said they had a great deal of vaginal discharge, 14% quite a bit and 18% a bit.
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Why Can The Paragard Be Left In Longer Than The Mirena
According to our experts, the main reason why the ParaGard and Mirena differ in duration of effectiveness is because of their contraceptive ingredients. “The Mirena has the hormone essentially infused into the device which is released daily, but will eventually run out,” said Dr. King, explaining this is why it’s FDA-approved for a maximum of five years after its insertion. The action of the ParaGard’s copper coil, on the other hand, “lasts longer than the slow release progesterone that is present in the Mirena,” according to Dr. Phillips.
What Is Good About The Iud
- It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
- Once inserted you will only need to check the string each month.
- It can last for 5 10 years .
- You can use it while breastfeeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- It can be taken out at any time by a trained 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.
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How Much Does An Iud Cost
The hormonal IUD prescription is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia. It costs around $6.50 if you are a Health Care Card holder and around $40.00 if you are not.
The copper IUD is not covered by a Health Care Card The cost in pharmacies can be around $70 to $120. There may also be an insertion cost from the health professional.The overall cost of the procedure will vary depending on whether you attend a private or public provider. If you don’t have a Medicare card or private health insurance, it will be more expensive.
The Copper Iud Lasts Up To 10 Years
Well, technically,studies show it can work up to 12, but since the FDA hasn’t approved it to be used that long, your doc will probs recommend you replace it a decade from whenever you get it. If you go with the hormonal option, you’ll need to replace it in three to five years, depending on which brand you get.
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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.
How Does An Iud Work
Before we can better understand how an IUD works, we need to know there are two main different types of IUD. There are different brands which may have slightly varying standards, but the following two categories encompass them all:
Copper IUDs are inserted into the uterus and have a thin string which hangs down through the cervix. The presence of the IUD causes mild inflammation of the uterine lining. This sets off an immune response, providing cells which destroy sperm cells and prevent fertilization. Copper IUDs specifically increase copper ions in the uterus which also act as a spermicide. Most copper IUDs are produced in the same shape as other hormonal IUDs. However, some are made without a frame and availability depends on country.
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What Is Paragard
What is Paragard?
Paragard is a copper releasing device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. ParaGard® is made of white plastic in the shape of a “T.” Copper is wrapped around the stem and arms of the “T”. Two white threads are attached to the stem of the “T”. The threads are the only part of ParaGard that you can feel when ParaGard is in your uterus. ParaGard and its components do not contain latex.
What Is An Iud
An intrauterine device is a small contraceptive device that is put into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The 2 types available in Australia are the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD . The copper IUD is designed to stay in place for up to 10 years and the hormonal IUD for 5 years. Both can easily be removed sooner, if needed.
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What Are The Advantages
- Long acting it lasts for between 3 and 10 years depending on the type of IUD
- Reversible you can choose to have it taken out at any time. After that, you will be able to get pregnant
- 99% effective it works very well
- You dont need to think about contraception every day
- Does not affect breastfeeding
- Does not get in the way of sex
- The copper IUD does not contain any hormones
- The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception
- The hormonal IUD has a very small amount of hormones and most people have no side effects from this
- The Mirena can help with period bleeding and pain, and most people will have light bleeding or no periods at all.
Studies show that IUDs do not cause pimples, headaches, sore breasts, nausea, mood changes, loss of sex drive or weight gain. There is no evidence of an extra risk of cancer.
Depression Risk With Hormonal Birth Control
Studies have shown young women who use hormonal contraceptives, including the IUD, have three times the risk of suicide compared to women who have never used hormonal birth control. Yikes!
Depression are commonly reported with hormonal contraceptives, the hormonal IUD being no exception. If you have a history or family history of depression, you may want to consider non-hormonal alternatives.
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Iuds Have Many Important Health Benefits
With an effectiveness rate of more than 99 percent, IUDs are one of the most dependable methods of pregnancy prevention. They are as effective as tubal ligation or permanent sterilization. But unlike sterilization, this method is completely reversible. Once your doctor removes it, you can get pregnant, possibly even right away.
The cost of getting an IUD and having it inserted varies greatly. But today, many people with health insurance pay nothing.
There are two types of IUDs: those with hormones and those without. The hormonal IUDs have been shown to cut down on menstrual cramps and make your periods lighter in some cases stopping them altogether, according to Planned Parenthood.
Iuds: How Do They Work
“IUDs are a good option for women because they are long-acting and reversible, and some types offer benefits beyond contraception,” such as helping to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, says Christopher Destephano, MD, MPH, a gynecologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
IUDs are a type of contraception known as long-acting reversible contraception, or LARC. Another LARC is a contraceptive implant such as Nexplanon or Implanon. In recent years, LARCs have become more popular in the United States as a birth control method. The increasing interest in the IUD, a relatively expensive contraceptive option, is attributed, in part, to the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which made most health insurers cover at least one form of the IUD. What’s more, one study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in February 2019 found insertion rates jumped 21 percent in the 30 days after the 2016 election, probably because of concerns that the new administration would eliminate the existing mandate for free or inexpensive birth control.
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