An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped piece of plastic about the size of a quarter placed inside the uterus by a doctor to prevent pregnancy, according to KidsHealth.org.
Two types of IUDs are available: copper and hormonal.
The copper IUD has copper wire around the T-shaped stem. It is effective for at least 10 years. The hormonal IUD releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of the hormone progestin, said WebMD. It is effective for at least five years.
Cornell University’s Gannett Health Services stated that IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the physical environment of the reproductive tract.
The hormonal IUD thickens the cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and in some cases stops ovulation altogether, wrote KidsHealth.org. This prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg.
WebMD wrote that copper is toxic to sperm. It makes the uterus and fallopian tubes produce fluid that kills sperm.
IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control. Each year, less than 1 out of 100 women get pregnant when using either IUD, said Planned Parenthood.
It’s important to note that IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Women shouldn’t use an IUD if they’re pregnant, have abnormal bleeding, or have cervical or uterine cancer, wrote FamilyDoctor.com. They should not use an IUD if they’ve had a pelvic infection following childbirth or an abortion in the past three months, have or may have a sexually transmitted infection, or have pelvic tuberculosis, added Planned Parenthood.
Women shouldn’t use the hormonal IUD if they have severe liver disease or have, or may have, breast cancer. And don’t use the copper IUD if you are allergic to copper, said FamilyDoctor.com.
Advantages of IUDs include ease of use, lower risk of ectopic pregnancy, and no interruption of foreplay or intercourse, wrote WebMD. And fertility returns immediately upon IUD removal, said Gannett.
The hormonal IUD may also reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by an average of 90 percent after the first few months, reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps and, in many women, may eventually cause menstrual periods to cease, said WebMD. (In this case, not menstruating isn’t harmful.)
It may prevent endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer, and may relieve endometriosis.
Disadvantages of IUDs include side effects. KidsHealth.org said that the most common side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding for the first few months. The copper IUD can cause heavier menstrual periods with more cramps. The hormonal IUD can cause PMS-like symptoms, such as headaches, acne, nausea and breast tenderness.
The hormonal IUD may also cause noncancerous ovarian cysts which usually go away on their own, wrote WebMD. KidsHealth.org said that IUDs need to be removed by a doctor.
There are some risks with IUDs. In very rare situations, when the IUD is inserted, it can push through the wall of the uterus, wrote Planned Parenthood.
Another low risk problem is expulsion of the IUD from the uterus. KidsHealth.org said that this is slightly more common in women who’ve never had a baby.
Sources:
"IUD." KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2013.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception_iud.html
"IUD Birth Control - Mirena IUD - ParaGard IUD." Sexual & Reproductive Health - Sex Education - Planned Parenthood. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2013.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm
"Gannett: Intrauterine Device (IUD)." Gannett: Gannett Health Services. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013.
http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/topics/sexual/birthcontrol/contraception/iud.cfm
"Intrauterine Device (IUD)." FamilyDoctor.org. American Academy of Family Physicians. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013.
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/sex-birth-control/birth-control/intrauterine-device-iud.html
"Intrauterine Device (IUD) Birth Control and Side Effects." WebMD - Better information. Better health.. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013.
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/intrauterine-device-iud-for-birth-control
Reviewed May 9, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith