Fun fact: the first IUD was made out of silkworm gut 5. The IUD is inserted into your uterus by a healthcare provider 4. IUDs work up to 3 to 10 years 4 , They can be removed at any time if you want to become pregnant or just want to take it out 3, 2.
IUDs are some of the most effective forms of birth control 6. Like most reproductive science, the technology behind IUDs is fairly new.
They each work slightly differently based on their makeup. The hormonal IUD contains contains a progestin called levonorgestrel. A small amount of progestin, which is embedded within the vertical arm of the T, is released daily into the uterus 1. It thickens the cervical mucus to the extent that sperm cannot penetrate in order to fertilize an egg 1.
It changes the normal contractions in the fallopian tubes, making it more difficult for an egg to travel to the uterus 7. The copper releases copper ions into the uterus. The ions change the fluids in the fallopian tube and uterus, making them inhospitable to sperm 1.
So, what exactly is a foreign body reaction? And in this case, it works to prevent pregnancy. When a foreign object is inserted into the human body, the body responds by causing inflammation in the area 1. A person usually only needs to attend regular check-ups to ensure that the device has remained functional and in place. For some people with insurance coverage, it is free. Anyone considering an IUD must also factor in the cost of attending regular check-ups to ensure that the placement of the device is correct.
Insurance policies will only cover the cost of the pill or an IUDs in some circumstances. For more information, check policy documentation or speak with a customer services representative. When deciding between the pill or an IUD, consider the following:. The birth control pill is a type of medication that a person regularly takes to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical messengers. The body produces some to control its functions, while others are produced synthetically.
The two hormones used in birth control pills are estrogen and progestin. The ovaries produce estrogen, but progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone. Birth control pills typically contain both hormones. Some contain only progestin, but a person usually only takes these while breastfeeding. When a person takes the pill, the added hormones cause two key changes. They work to keep the eggs from leaving the ovaries during ovulation. An IUD is a small, typically plastic device that contains copper or a form of progestin.
These are placed into the uterus. The design of the device can vary, but most IUDs have two threads that pass through the opening of the cervix into the vagina. These strings allow a person to check the placement of their IUD, as well as can be seen by a doctor for checkups and later IUD removal. An IUD works by keeping the sperm from reaching an egg. The progestin IUD thickens the mucus in the cervix, which acts as a barrier to sperm.
The copper IUD causes inflammation in the uterus, which destroys the sperm that enter. IUDs also make it difficult for eggs to stick to the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation. Regular over-the-counter painkillers should be sufficient to offer you relief. Depending on the type of IUD, your uterine lining thins, your cervical mucus thickens, or you stop ovulating.
If you have sex with someone who is infected with a sexually transmitted disease STD , you could get infected, too. Your IUD offers reliable contraception for years at a time. The copper IUD starts working instantly. Hormone-releasing IUDs should be removed and replaced every years, depending on the brand. The copper-wrapped IUD can stay in place and offer continuous protection for up to 12 years.
You think you might be pregnant. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: You cannot find the string of your IUD, or the string is shorter or longer than normal. You have any problems with your birth control method. You think you may have been exposed to or have a sexually transmitted infection.
IUD use and medical conditions An IUD can be a safe birth control choice for women who: footnote 7 Have a history of ectopic pregnancy. Have a history of irregular menstrual bleeding and pain. The hormonal IUD may be appropriate for these women and for women who have a bleeding disorder or those who take blood thinners anticoagulants.
Have diabetes. Cannot tolerate estrogens. Have a history of endometriosis. The hormonal IUD is a good choice for women who have endometriosis. References Citations Grimes DA Intrauterine devices IUDs. In RA Hatcher et al. New York: Ardent Media. Dean G, Schwarz EB Intrauterine contraceptives IUCs.
Trussell J, Guthrie KA Choosing a contraceptive: Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. Atlanta: Ardent Media. Grimes DA Fritz MA, Speroff L In Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility , 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology Long-acting reversible contraception: Implants and intrauterine devices. Obstetrics and Gynecology , 5 : e—e DOI: Accessed January 26, Speroff L, Darney PD Intrauterine contraception. In A Clinical Guide for Contraception , 5th ed. Obstetrics and Gynecology , 5 : ee
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