In the world of birth control, the IUD has gained fame over the years. It is regarded as the most commonly used means of contraception in China and one of the most popular in the world. Over a hundred million people currently use the IUD due to its efficiency, the amount of time the contraceptive gives protection and the reversibility of its effects. If you have enough cash to afford the operation, you might as well give it a try.
What is an IUD?
The IUD, which stands for intrauterine device, is a birth control apparatus surgically inserted in the uterus. The t-shaped device releases either copper or hormones to prevent ovulation. Its approved use lasts for about five to ten years, though according to medical researchers, the best models can be used for more than twelve years. To get an IUD, just consult your gynecologist or a licensed medical practitioner and he will perform the operation upon your approval.
Types of IUD
Two general types of IUDs can be implanted in the uterus. Their uses are entirely dependent on the reproductive system’s reaction to the varied effects of the devices. A thorough check up is first done by a gynecologist before an IUD is selected. Here are the two types of IUDs:
Copper IUD
Hormonal IUD
Both contraceptives sport success rates that are beyond 99%, making IUDs some of the most efficient means of birth control available. Substandard brands and models have been pulled out of some countries due to safety standard issues, so you can trust most of the items on the market.
How Do IUDs Work?
Copper and hormonal IUDs may be distinct from each other, but the way they work is pretty much the same. IUDs are surgically inserted in the uterus, where they will induce a spermicidal reaction from the endometrium. Upon insertion, the endometrium will release two specific substances:
prostaglandins
leukocytes
Both substances obliterate sperm and egg cells upon contact. Copper IUDs enhance this effect due to the spermicidal properties of copper. Hormonal IUDs, on the other hand, release a progestin that manipulates the cervix, the endometrium and lessens the body’s attempts to ovulate.
How to Get an IUD
An IUD can only be implanted by a medical practitioner. You have to contact your gynecologist if you want to get an IUD. The best time to have an IUD is a few days after performing unprotected sex and after giving birth or having an abortion. The effects of the IUD will be more potent if the contraceptive is installed during those times.
Procedure:
Setup an appointment with your gynecologist.
During the official consultation, tell your gynecologist that you want to get an IUD.
The doctor will run you through a comprehensive checkup.
After the checkup, he will recommend which type of IUD should you get.
Your gynecologist will then perform the surgical procedure to fit the IUD in your uterus.
After the operation, you will be prescribed to take antibiotics and painkillers, which will speed up the surgical incision’s healing process.
When the incision has fully healed, observe how your body reacts to the contraceptive. An incorrectly installed IUD is dangerous and has a number of harmful complications.
Side Effects
Given the nature of how the IUD is implemented, you can infer that it surely has side effects. Many of the contraceptive’s side effects are minor. The major ones are related to the improper insertion of the apparatus, which isn’t really caused by the contraceptive. Make sure that your gynecologist is experienced enough to pull off the procedure to minimize the risk of side effects.
Heavy menstrual periods – The pain and the loss of blood greatly increases, especially with copper IUDs. (Learn how to get rid of heavy menstruation)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – The uterus and cervix can be inflamed then infected if the incision made during the IUD’s insertion didn’t receive the proper treatment. An improperly inserted IUD will almost certainly cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
Displacement of the IUD – If the contraceptive was not inserted properly, it might get displaced in the uterus. The contraceptive’s hard exterior can damage the organs of the reproductive system.
Tears in the uterus – Improper insertion and sheer negligence of the gynecologist are the primary causes for this side effect.
Pain is a signal that something is wrong with your body. Follow the same rule when checking for IUD-related side effects. The moment you feel a sharp pain in your abdomen for no apparent reason, feel free to consult your gynecologist.
Things to Remember When Getting an IUD
Having the IUD inserted involves a delicate surgical process that requires utmost care from the patient. You should give special attention to the minor stuff if you want to use the contraceptive, minus the side-effects and complications.
Gynecologist Credentials – Check the credentials of your gynecologist. A slight mistake can cause the most serious of side effects.
Pregnancy Test – Get a pregnancy test first before proceeding to an IUD. The contraceptive may lead to a miscarriage if you are pregnant upon insertion.
Antibiotics – Take the antibiotics religiously after the IUD is inserted. Not taking the proper medication can bring infections or worse, pelvic inflammatory disease.
No Protection for STDs – IUDs do not offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases, which means you should still use condoms or another barrier device, have sex only in a monogamous relationship, and make sure you and your partner are tested for STDs.
IUD Checkup – Have your IUD checked regularly. If it loosens up, it can damage your reproductive system. The ideal time for checkups is once every menstrual cycle.
Vice-Free Healing Process – When the incision from the operation is still fresh, excessive smoking and drinking is highly discouraged. Alcohol and carcinogens can delay healing or in some cases, infect the wound. Remember, an infected wound in the uterus can escalate to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Follow these simple reminders and you should have minimal or no problems with the contraceptive.
What Happens When the IUD is Removed?
The IUD is treated by the reproductive system as an obstruction. Most of the apparatus’ ovulation-stopping effects are actually the body’s response to that obstruction. This means pregnancies are very much possible once the IUD has been removed. Like when it was implanted, a surgical procedure is necessary if you want the device removed. Simply inform your gynecologist about your plan to remove the IUD and an operation will be scheduled.
Best for Short Term Fun
The IUD is one of the most preferred means of birth control. Not only does it stop unwanted pregnancies, but it also gives you long term protection. It should be one of your top choices if ever you’re planning to enjoy your single life or stimulate your relationship for the next few years.