Intrauterine devices, also referred as IUDs recently just got a big seal of approval from the American Academy of Pediatrics as well. The prestigious academy recently endorsed the use of IUDs as excellent methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy in teenagers. IUDs are the most commonly used method of birth control by doctors as well. These little devices make life simpler and sex safe. The market is filled with birth control options like ‘The Pill’ and ‘condoms’, very less is known about IUDs. “IUDs are a great birth control alternative for many women, from teenagers to those in their 50s,” says Julie Strickland, M.D., M.P.H., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Here’s why:
IUDs and your safety
IUDs are internal implants and are surrounded with some stigma pertaining to their safety. Early IUDs came with problems like fertility problems and pelvic infections. These complicated creating devices have been taken off the market since the 1960s.
The improved IUD’s faced certain stipulations pertaining to the eligibility of the user to be able to use them.
“In the 1980s and beyond, the World Health Organization has loosened those restrictions because we understand IUDs much better. We screen patients very closely to decrease the risk of pelvic infections caused by IUDs, and we know they don’t affect fertility after you have them removed,” says Strickland.
There is More Than One Option
The advance in research and study about fertility and birth control has given us more effective birth control IUDs. The list of effective IUDs is as follows,
‘The ParaGard’
The ParaGard is often known the IUD. The IUD is hormone-free and provides protection from pregnancy for a whopping ten years of time.
‘Mirena’
Mirena works by releasing low doses of the female hormone called progesterone. It provides protection from pregnancy for a period of 5 years, half of the time span of "ParaGard".
‘Skyla’
Skyla is the most recent development in the field of IUDs. It is a hormonal Intra Uterine Device and offers lower dose or hormones. This IUD lasts for three years. The USP of "Skyla" is its size. Skyla is smaller than most other IUDs which makes it easier for women to adjust with IUDs. It is a boon for the women who feel uncomfortable with a larger IUD.
“The different kinds of IUDs make it easier to find something that is really the best option for the patient,” says Strickland.
Insertion of an IUD may hurt a little.
The insertion of an IUD is quick and is done through a minor surgical procedure. A speculum is used to find your cervix by the doctor who then dilates it and passes the IUD through the cervical canal. This way the doctor places an IUD inside the uterus of a woman. Most women are prone to the experience of some cramping, similar to the ones during their period when the IUD is placed. “We usually ask women to take something like ibuprofen beforehand. In rare cases, we can give anesthesia similar to what you get if you go to the dentist, but in general we don’t need to. It really is a doable procedure,” says Strickland.
Doctors may prescribe medications that soften your cervix and make it much easier to dilate. The effectiveness of such medications is still under questions and is being researched on.
You Can Get One Even If You Haven’t Had Kids
The advance in research and technology infertility and birth control. The previous generations of its been nullified. Women who have never had kids can also use these IUDs to prevent pregnancies. “There’s no IUD restriction based on age or on whether you’ve had children,” says Strickland.
Women, who have already had kids, can be fitted with the device more conveniently, as their cervical canal has already stretched before during childbirth, which makes it more used to the dilation required to place an IUD. “However, my specialty is adolescents and we do administer IUDs to teenagers. In most of them, if they can tolerate the vaginal exam, they can tolerate the IUD just fine,” says Strickland. The cervical canal of women who haven’t had kids is usually tight and insertion of the IUD may cause slight discomfort, this is what led to the development of the smaller new IUD.
They are Completely Reversible
“The IUD is only effective when it’s inside your body,” says Strickland. The T-shaped IUDs fits into the shape of the uterus comfortably. The wings on the side of it can collapse for quick, painless and easy removal. You will experience your regular hormonal cycles immediately after removal. In the case that you have a non-hormonal IUD, you will return back to normal fertility in about a month’s time. If you have a hormonal variety of IUD, it can take up to three months for you to get your normal periods again.
Your Partner Probably Won’t Feel It
The bottom of every IUD is effectively equipped with strings that have the consistency of a fishing line. These strings extend through the cervix and into the vagina. These strings make the removal of the IUD easy for the doctor. “When the strings reach body temperature, they become very soft and curl up around the cervix. Your partner shouldn’t be able to feel them,” says Strickland.
If your partner can feel the string even after a few months of the IUD insertion. You can always have your gyno trim them a little. If the strings continue to bother you or your partner, make sure you discuss your options with your doctor.
Your Insurance is likely to cover them
There are quite a few controversies surrounding birth control coverage under the Affordable Care Act. In spite of these there may still be a good chance you can avail the IUD free of charge. “In general, we find that people who have third-party carriers that cover reproductive issues also cover placement and removal along with the actual IUD itself,” says Strickland.
The cost of the plantation of an IUD comes up to around $800, depending on where you live and which type of device you choose.
It is worth it all
No matter what the expense of the implant is, it may still be worth it. “They have a high upfront cost, but annualizing it over 5-10 years, it’s a cost-effective method,” says Strickland. Think of it as a one-time expense, and you can reap its benefits for up to 10 years of your sex filled life.
They May Alter Your Periods
The release of low doses of hormones may make periods shorter and less painful. This effect of the IDUs offers the women the much-needed relief from menstrual pain. Women, who experience painful periods, have an option of eliminating the pain from that time of the month through hormonal implants.
An IUD may completely stop menstruation in some women.
The non-hormonal type of IUD has the ability to induce heavier bleeding and more pain during menstruation. IUDs do not have side effects like other contraceptives do. It does not inhibit your hormone levels greatly and doesn’t but if you’re looking to get off the Pill because those hormones send your body out of whack, it could still be a good option for you. Plus, those side effects may fade over time.
They’re Incredibly Effective
IUDs have an effective rate of over 99 percent. “One of the IUD’s biggest characteristics is that its typical use and perfect use rates are very similar,” says Strickland. On the contrary ‘the Pill’, which comes with a typical use failure rate of 9 percent. This means that if you fail to use them in the exact way (every single day) that they should, your chance of pregnancy increases. “In contrast to having to take a pill every day and trying to remember that, a woman doesn’t have to do anything after she gets an IUD,” says Strickland.
The use of IUDs brings all benefits for the bargain of a few mild side effects, which are temporary. They provide protection from pregnancy for years together and also improve your hormonal balance. In all the cases, the implantation of the device is a win-win for you as a woman and your partner. If you wish to explore more options of birth control, you can also deploy the use of pregnancy control pills that are also known as contraceptive pills. Know more about best contraceptive pills at www.onlinegenericpills.com