IUDs
Description
The Intra-uterine Device (IUD) is a long-acting reversible method of contraception. It is a small T-shaped device, with a string at the base of the T, inserted into the uterine cavity. There are two types of IUDs, copper and progesterone-releasing. A copper IUD can remain in place for up to ten years. In the progesterone-releasing IUD there is a reservoir of progesterone that is slowly released for up to five years; once exhausted it must be replaced.
An IUD prevents fertilization by triggering an inflammatory response in the endometrium. In plain english, this means that an IUD hampers the ability of Sperm to pass through the uterine cavity and thus disrupts the reproductive process. Progestin-releasing IUDs also thicken the cervical mucus and changes the endometrial lining, making the uterus unfavorable for implantation.
Effectiveness
The IUD is approximately 99% effective.
Directions
A qualified medical practitioner will properly insert the IUD. Under no circumstances should a woman attempt this on herself or have an unqualified person attempt the insertion on her.
Advantages
- Very effective over the long-term because you don't have to remember to take or use contraception each time.
- It doesn't interrupt sex like some other methods.
- Periods usually become much lighter and shorter, and sometimes less painful. They may stop completely after the first year of use. Women who have a heavy flow or dysmenorrhea may tolerate or even benefit from the progesterone-releasing IUD, which can reduce menstrual bleeding.
- Fertility will return to normal once the IUD is removed.
- Can be used if you are breastfeeding.
- It is useful if you cannot use estrogens (hormones) like those found in The Pill.
Disadvantages
- Periods may change in a way that is not acceptable, such as irregular bleeding or spotting.
- IUDs can increase menstrual flow and cramping, which may be particularly severe in the first few months after insertion.
- A small minority of women expel the IUD during the first year of use.
- There is no protection from STDs/STIs, so it is important to practice Safe Sex!
I ABSOLUTLY hated the insertion. I'm still spotting and IUD`s are supposed to stop menstral flow after a while, not increase it... maybe it does on different women, but not on me. I only had the thing inserted about 3 weeks ago. n I have a high libido, I want sex as much as my bf does. I'm in college for Millwright and he lives in another city-which is good-no distractions-but before college my issue with quickies here n there anytime was... availability of condoms. So he'd do the withdraw method. Still risk of pregnancy right? yes. but now with the IUD, I feel like a piece of weight has been lifted off my shoulders. There`s still risk of pregnancy, but not as high as using no protection. He has cum inside me once now... and I feel like we`re closer as a couple... we become ONE on a deeper level. (i took morning after pill of course). The IUD has... helped. I feel like it has connected me n my bf. I want to have his baby someday, but not today. The IUD has removed a big piece of stress out of our lives for at least 5 yrs.
I love my IUD NO PERIODS spotting every 3 months thats it
I've had experience with an IUD (I've had one for almost three years now)
I'd like to point out that the hormonal iuds last for 5 years, not the one as is reported in the article.
Looks like something that would have been used during the Inquisition...
looks like it hurts...lol
It looks pretty ominous to me.
My mom recommended this method to me. This is what she uses and it is effective when she decided to have one more kid ( my younger sister) she when and had it removed. Once after that she had a new one put in. I got mine put in as well and its effective I still use condoms for safe sex (from HIV) though every know and then we did not use them. I did not want to deal with having to take a pill or get a shot though I hear then methods are also effective just not for me. My period is sometimes every other month and I do have spotting in between but my period has always been irregular. Unlike Anne it did not hurt when it got put in it felt like a cramp but that’s about it. You do not feel it and does not hurt during intercourse. Also you can easily check if you still have it in, some bodies react differently sometimes they fall out if not put in correctly. I recommend this method works well for me I had it a couple of years and will take it out and get a new one when it time for a check. Do you research on what works best for you and stay safe.
hi i have and iud this is my second one. there are two different types that u can get one has hormones in it this means that ur period gets lighter the longer u have it in and may stop all together. the second type which i have is basicly a copper coil, its the same basic design that they brought out years ago.
i have the second type as i'm allergic to the hormones in the pill or shot. this type still means that u have a period, this type means that u get ur fertility back as soon as its removed, the other type may leave hormones in your system. i think any one who is thinkin of getting one should think carefully as the cramps after u get it put in hurt like hell, but they do become less and less.
i havent regreted getting my coil.
seeing im new to this site i thought seeing i have had my second iud put in nov 08 i could give some insight to this. after having my fourth child i was convinced that i would never find birth control that would work my dr suggested an iud it worked great for five yrs my periods became shorter and lighter. i just had to go back this past yr to have my old one removed and the new one inserted the same day. the only thing that has changed was that i no longer know if i get a period and i have spotting all the time the drs say this is normal and not to worry. but with having four kids how can one not right. but for all of those that are considering this option then go for i love the freedom of not worrying about a pill or trying to get to an appt for a shot of what if the condem breaks. this is a wonderful thing to have in my opionion
I have had the Mirena IUD since the fall of 2005 and I haven't had any problems.. They didn't recommend that I get it because I haven't had any kids but I knew that I would never remember something like the pill and the shot just sucked... I do want you to know that I made an account on here just so I could answer your question... ha ha... My uterus was crampy for a while after and they didn't give me anything for the pain so I would honestly recommend getting some hydros or something because it hurts A LOT after...It seems to be effective because I've been with my fiance for almost 3 years and we have unprotected sex almost everyday and I'm yet to get pregnant (knock on wood!!)...The other thing is I don't have my period at all with the IUD...About once every other month I spot for a week but that's about it... The facts about the IUD that they have on this site are wrong, the Mirena is what I would recommend for you because it works for 5 years before it has to be replaced but it doesn't contain copper...I think you should go on google and look up "Mirena IUD" and go to the offical site to get all the correct information to help you decide if this is right for you, but I love it...Well good luck and let me know how you make out!!
Anne
I am going Monday to get this one can anyone tell me how it works for them?
Anyone have any experiance with this?