Why the IUD May Be Your Ideal Birth Control Method
IUDs or intrauterine devices have recently become popular and are currently the most recommended form of birth control by US doctors. If you need pregnancy prevention, you should consider getting one.
Don’t be discouraged by the history of the Navy
Many women are wary of using an IUD because the history of an IUD is a little creepy. The first IUD was made from the intestines of a silkworm and was spread throughout the uterus and vagina. (Fun fact: Another key figure in the creation of the Navy was Ernst Grafenberg, who also discovered the G-spot.) That didn’t change anything.The Dalkon Shield was one of the first IUDs to be widely used, but it has led to a myriad of bacterial infections, internal injuries, and subsequent lawsuits. Google what Dalkon’s shield looked like and tell me if you want this thing implanted in your body. Not only does it have terrible side effects and a scary name, but it also looks ridiculously creepy!
The first copper IUDs were created in the 60s. This was also when the T-shape that we recognize today came into use. Soon after, hormonal IUDs appeared. Unfortunately, some of these more “advanced” models were no better than the earlier ones. In a number of cases, the IUDs were found to have come off the implantation site and eventually pierced the uterus of the users who were using them. This new round of IUD-related lawsuits has sparked even greater fear of the devices.
So yeah, the Navy doesn’t have the best story. To be honest, most medical inventions are not! Just look at the history of hypodermic needle use or what the dental instruments looked like. But technology has improved and today’s Naval Forces are now considered incredibly safe. Only about one in 1000 women will experience even minor problems with their IUD.
IUD options: hormones or lack of hormones
If you go to your doctor today, you will have two main types of IUDs to choose from: non-hormonal and hormonal. Both versions are T-shaped and less than two inches long. Both are implanted directly into the uterus. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. Modern IUDs are also extremely effective in preventing pregnancy. Planned Parenthood reports that they are over 99% effective , making them the most effective form of birth control.
The non-hormonal version is made of copper and is called ParaGard . It takes effect immediately and can remain implanted for up to 12 years. This is an older model of IUD, but a great option for women who do not need hormones in combination with birth control.
Hormonal versions, as the name suggests, contain the hormone progestin , which prevents conception by thickening cervical mucus. Hormones enter the body slowly over several years. This is a smaller dose than the standard birth control pill. There are several versions of the hormonal IUD, including Mirena, which can stay implanted for five years, and Skyla, which works for three years. Both require a one-week wait until they become effective, and were designed to address some of the side effects of non-hormonal IUDs: cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding. Of course, you might have to deal with the side effects of hormones instead (mood changes, weight gain, acne, headaches, and many other fun possibilities).
Choosing the Right IUD for You
The decision to choose a hormonal or non-hormonal IUD is very personal, so we cannot make a one-size-fits-all recommendation. If you choose ParaGard, you can rest easy knowing that no hormones affect your sex drive, mood, weight or overall well-being. If you choose Mirena or Skyla, you may have shorter or lighter periods, or not change at all. If you don’t like the way your body reacts to your IUD, you can always remove it or switch to a different model.
Once you have decided which IUD you prefer, you should be prepared to defend your decision. I’ve heard stories of doctors pushing their patients to choose the hormonal version (the cynic in me guesses it’s because Mirena and Skyla have better marketing departments than the old-school ParaGard), but you might not really want hormones in yours. body.
What to Expect When You Receive an IUD
Once you make your decision, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to have it implanted. Don’t worry, this is an outpatient procedure and takes about 20 minutes. During your appointment, your doctor will do a physical exam to make sure the IUD can be safely implanted into your body. You will have to lie back, lifting your legs in the stirrups and dilating the vaginal canal with a dilator, as in a normal obstetric / gynecological examination. The IUD is inserted into a long, thin implantation device. If you’ve ever used a vaginal suppository for a yeast infection, you may have used a similar type of instrument. The doctor will insert the device into your vaginal canal, then pull the small trigger to release the IUD and open its arms.
Let’s really talk about the pain aspect, because this is what makes many women hesitate about choosing an IUD. Some women describe the implantation process as a little uncomfortable but mostly painless. It may be as good as a standard Pap smear. On the other hand, about five percent of women experience severe cramping during implantation. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know the level of pain you will experience during implantation. Try not to worry about this beforehand because it probably won’t be all that bad. Just in case, get someone to drive you home and spend the rest of the day in an ice bed. Taking an Advil couple before your visit will also help relieve any potential discomfort.
In the first days after implantation, you may experience mild cramps. If you receive a non-hormonal IUD, your period over the next three to six months may be more severe and may be accompanied by more severe cramping. These changes will diminish over time. It’s best to avoid penetration when you’re in pain, but masturbation can ease the pain a little ! If you receive a hormonal IUD, you may have fewer cramping and your periods may be much easier or shorter or even disappear.
Your doctor will have a record of when your IUD was implanted, but it is recommended that you keep it on your calendar or in a safe place. Over time, you will have to remember when to remove and / or replace the IUD. When you are ready to remove it, you will need to go back to your doctor (never try to remove it yourself!). Nylon threads are attached to the end of the IUD. The doctor will use these threads to pull your IUD out. Most women say removal is less painful than implantation, but you can schedule another day off.
What is IUD sex like?
Remember those topics we just talked about? Unfortunately, they can come into contact with your partner’s penis during intercourse (I assume you have P-in-V intercourse at least from time to time, since you need contraception). These strings can feel a little stiff for the first few months. They’ll get softer over time (and with more sex!), But until they do, poking them can be a little annoying, especially if you don’t expect it. This does not happen with every couple, it is often enough to be mentioned.
I think it’s a good idea to warn your partner (“hey, obviously you can feel the threads from my IUD during sex”), but talking too much can scare him unnecessarily. If this bothers you, try to find the strings with your fingers and feel what they look like.
It is extremely important to remember that IUDs do not protect against STIs, so you will still need to use condoms if you are at risk of contracting something from your partner.
Despite some disadvantages, the IUD is a great option for many women. IUDs last long and require little or no effort on your part. The initial cost can be high if you don’t have insurance, but it can be much cheaper in the long run than birth control pills. This is the most effective birth control method currently available, even more effective than sterilization! The IUD also doesn’t affect your fertility; You can get pregnant right after the IUD is removed.