12/24/2017 Birth Control Options: IUD

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Birth Control Options: IUD

Learn about each contraceptive option available so
you can nd the best birth control for you. Here,
everything you need to know about the IUD
April 12, 2013

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What it is:


An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped

pliable plastic rod with an attached thread that
measures just over an inch long and is inserted
into the uterus through the cervix. There are
three kinds on the market: One type is hormonal
and lasts up to five years; the second type
delivers a lower dose of hormones and lasts up to
the three years; and the other uses copper and
lasts up to 10 years. 



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What it does:


 While non-hormonal IUDs are made from

copper, which acts as a natural spermicide,
hormonal IUDs gradually release small doses of
the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel—the same
stuff in emergency contraceptive pills. Both
options thicken your cervical mucus, which
creates a hostile environment for embryo
implantation and prevents pregnancy, says Laura
Corio, M.D., a Manhattan-based gynecologist
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There are two main types of IUDs:
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Progestin-releasing IUD (Mirena, Skyla):


Like other progesterone-based forms of
contraception, this device causes the cervical
mucus to thicken, which keeps sperm from
reaching an egg. The hormone also thins the
uterine lining, preventing an egg that does get
fertilized from implanting. The Mirena lasts up to
five years. Skyla, which was approved by the FDA
in 2013, delivers a lower dose of hormones, is
slightly smaller, and last up to three years.

Copper-coil IUD (ParaGard, made by Barr

Pharmaceuticals):
 This IUD slowly releases
copper ions for up to 10 years. Copper inhibits
sperm and the egg's ability to implant in the
uterine wall. 



Pros:


Although just 2 percent of American women

use IUDs, of those who do, 99 percent report
being satisfied. Once the device is inserted,
nothing has to be done except a monthly self-
check to make sure the string is still in place. 




Plus, the IUDs currently on the market are more

than 99 percent effective at preventing
pregnancy. A recent study also found that IUDs
are safe and effective for women of all ages—
including teens
(http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/scoop/iud-
safety/). Finally, you can remove it whenever you
want by visiting your doctor's office.
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It depends. If you crave a lighter, and possibly

nonexistent, period, Mirena may be the way to
go. Because it thins the uterine lining, there's less
blood, says Ross Marchetta, M.D., an ob-gyn in
Akron, Ohio. (Skyla hasn't been on the market
long enough to know for sure how it affects
menstruation, but the benefits should be similar
to Mirena.) By contrast, the copper ParaGard can
make bleeding and cramps worse by irritating
the uterine lining, so ParaGard might not be for
you if you already have severe cramps. However,
if you want to avoid pumping artificial hormones
into your body, ParaGard is a more appealing
option. 



Cons:


The main downside of IUDs is infection. While

the risk is low, the devices can make existing
ones—specifically, chlamydia and gonorrhea—
much worse. About one in 100 women report
infections in the first 20 days after getting an
IUD, usually because bacteria have crept in
during insertion. Those infections can generally
be treated with antibiotics. So finding a skilled
doctor to perform the procedure is crucial. While
all gynos are trained to do it, it's a good idea to
ask how often she inserts IUDs. Two or more a
week is reassuring.

While it's very rare, women who've never been

pregnant could possibly expel the IUD. Reason:
Before pregnancy, your uterus and cervix are
smaller and less pliable, so your body might
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this problem, and newer versions like Skyla are

specifically designed to fit the less flexible uterus
of a woman who hasn't given birth.

The most common side effects associated with

using the ParaGard IUD are cramping and heavy
bleeding in some women. Women using the
Mirena IUD may initially have irregular periods
and bleeding. After a few months, you may
experience lighter periods or no periods at all. 




So why do IUDs have such a sketchy reputation?

You can blame it on an old version called the
Dalkon Shield, an IUD popular in the 1970s. It
was pulled from the market in 1974 because it
played a role in thousands of infections, such as
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and sepsis.
The conditions caused infertility in some women
and have been linked to at least 17 deaths. But in
1974, the pocket calculator was considered high-
tech—so comparing the old IUD with today's
versions is like pitting Pong against Halo. 



Protects against STDs?


No 



Prescription needed?

Yes

Birth Control (/BirthControl)

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