What is IUD

WHAT IS IUD

What is IUD. One form of birth control that a medical professional can implant in your uterus is called an intrauterine device (IUD). The most popular kind of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is an IUD. You won’t have to worry about birth control when an IUD is implanted until it’s time to replace it, which could take anywhere from three to ten years, depending on the brand.

WHAT IS IUD

The best method of birth control that doesn’t involve surgery is LARCs, which include IUDs and contraceptive implants. Your provider may remove IUD if you do decide to get pregnant. STIs are not prevented by IUDs, in contrast to other methods of contraception like condoms. In addition to preventing conception, using an IUD with condoms lowers your risk of getting a STI.

Types

IUDs come in two varieties: hormonal (levonorgestrel) and copper. Both include plastic frames that, once within your uterus, unfold into a T shape. In order for your healthcare professional to remove your IUD when necessary, they have strings attached to the bottom that extend into your vagina. Five brands have received FDA approval: Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, Skyla (hormonal), and Paragard (copper). Copper IUDs: The thin copper wire used in Paragard’s IUD coils around the stem portion of the “T.” When your provider implants your IUD, the stem terminates in a smooth ball that keeps your cervix from being perforated. IUDs with hormones (levonorgestrel):

More Types

The progestin hormone levonorgestrel, which passes via the stem, is found in the upper portion of the “T.” Progesterone is a hormone that naturally exists in your body; progestins are a synthetic form of this hormone. Compared to Kyleena and Skyla, Mirena and Liletta are a little larger. Both kinds have components that make them appear during imaging processes. During wellness checkups, your provider can check your IUD to make sure it is positioned correctly.

Advantages

Achieve a success rate of 99%. avoid the need to find contraception before engaging in sexual activity. are affordable and covered by the majority of private insurance as well as Medicaid. can be taken off if you choose to change birth control methods or get pregnant. keep you from becoming pregnant for years without requiring any constant care from you. save you the anxiety of forgetting to get a birth control shot, missing a pill, etc. Certain IUD brands may lower the incidence of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), according to certain research.

Side effects

Particularly in the initial months following insertion, copper IUDs might exacerbate menstrual pains and increase bleeding during periods. Your periods may become irregular as a result of hormonal IUDs, particularly in the initial months following installation. Menstruation may be absent (amenorrhea). During sexual activity, you or your partner may notice that the IUD’s strings initially feel stiff. The strings ought to get softer with time. If you are experiencing pain during sex or your IUD is preventing you from having a healthy sexual life, talk to your clinician. The majority of it’s users continue to release an egg throughout their monthly menstrual cycle, a process known as ovulation. Ovarian cysts, which are often benign growths that go away on their own, can occur as a result of ovulation. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, cysts are common.

Summary

Birth control that is convenient, safe, and effective is provided by intrauterine devices, or IUDs. They can stop pregnancy for a number of years after they are implanted. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of receiving an IUD with your doctor. They can assist you in determining whether an IUD is the best course of action for you. Additionally, they are able to suggest the best kind of IUD for you. Remember to use another STI prevention strategy if you do choose to use an IUD.