Getting an IUD is a big decision.
To help you make an informed choice, gynecologists share what to know before getting an IUD.
Theyre great if youre someone that doesnt want to take a pill every day, and theyre extremely reliable.
They dont provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (like, say, internal and external condoms).
What to know before getting an IUD
How do IUDs work?
There are two types of IUDs: levonorgestrel (hormonal) or copper (non-hormonal).
OB/GYN and Women’s Health Advisor,Evernow
They also dont prevent sexually transmitted infections.
It causes the endometrium to go through a process called atrophy.
And atrophy basically means that it thins the lining of the uterus.
The copper IUD (Paraguard), however, is entirely hormone-free.
It causes a sterile inflammation in the uterus, making it inhospitable to fertilization.
Plus, copper is actually toxic to sperm, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
What are the pros and cons of hormonal IUDs?
Hormonal IUDs can help manageheavy menstrual bleeding, painful cramps,endometriosis,fibroids, and more.
Most people with IUDs wont feel the impact of hormonal IUD.
OB/GYN and Women’s Health Advisor,Evernow
What is the difference between the four hormonal IUDs?
When choosing between Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, and Skyla, Dr. Krause says to consider your goals.
Are you hoping to stop your period altogether?
Do you plan to have more kids in three years?
The answers to these questions might impact which IUD you get.
Dr. Krause saysMirenaandLilettaare nearly identical.
They both contain 52 mg of levonorgestrel.
But if you have insurance or Medicaid, you likely wont pay anything close to that.
What are the pros and cons of the copper IUD?
The copper IUD (Paragard) is completely hormone-free and prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.
But, that doesnt mean its symptom-free.Paragardis often associated withincreased menstrual bleeding and cramping.
A lot of individuals have side effects with hormones, says Dr. Brayboy.
They just cant tolerate them.
Is there anyone who shouldnt get an IUD?
However, thats not the case.
Chat with your health care provider to decide if the IUD is right for you.
When you arrive for the appointment, youll likely start by giving a urine sample.
Youll get on the bed.
What does the insertion feel like?
Your provider will insert a speculum, as they do for apap smear, and then examine the cervix.
Well just look to confirm theres nothing abnormal, says Dr. Brayboy.
Next, theyll clean the cervix.
It feels like a scratchy tampon as we clean off the cervix, says Dr. Brayboy.
Thats just to help decrease the risk of infection.
Now, its time for the insertion.
The whole process only lasts a few minutes.
There will de dilators on hand if your cervix needs to be dilated.
If not, you should just feel three significant cramps.
Dr. Brayboy says its helpful if you cough at this part to distract you from the cramp.
Next, they put in the IUD.
What can you expect after the insertion?
In the days following your insertion, youll likely feel some cramping and experience spotting.
Feel free to treat these symptoms the same way you usually treat menstrual cramps.
People who get a hormonal IUD might still get a regular period, but lighter, hopefully.
The main thing is they have to be prepared for it to be an unknown and irregular.
For Paragaurd, you could expect heavier bleeding and increased cramping.
Is it possible to get pregnant while you have an IUD?
IUDs are the most effective form of birth control, with failure rates of less than 1 percent.
Hormonal IUDs have a 0.2 percent failure rate, and Paragaurd has a 0.8 percent failure rate.
Anectopic pregnancyhappens outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes.
There is no way to carry an ectopic pregnancy to full term.
Is the removal process complicated?
In most cases, removing or replacing an IUD is pretty straightforwardthough you cannot do it yourself.
When your provider does this, the IUD arms will fold in as it comes out of your uturus.
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