There are different types of IUD, some with more copper than others. IUDs with more copper are more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than one in 100 women who use an IUD will get pregnant in one year. IUDs with less copper will be less effective.
An IUD works as soon as it's put in, and lasts for five to 10 years, depending on the type.
It can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant.
It can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse and you'll quickly return to normal levels of fertility.
Changes to your periods (for example, being heavier, longer or more painful) are common in the first three to six months after an IUD is put in, but they're likely to settle down after this. You might get spotting or bleeding between periods.
There's a very small chance of infection within 20 days of the IUD being fitted.
There's a risk that your body may expel the IUD.
If you get pregnant, there's an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (when the egg implants outside the womb). But because you're unlikely to get pregnant, the overall risk of ectopic pregnancy is lower than in women who don't use contraception.
Having the IUD put in can be uncomfortable. Ask the doctor or nurse about pain relief.
An IUD may not be suitable for you if you've had previous pelvic infections.
The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the IUD you'll help to protect yourself against STIs.
Having an IUD fitted
An IUD can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you are not pregnant. You'll be protected against pregnancy straight away.
Before you have an IUD fitted, you will have an internal examination to find out the size and position of your womb. This is to make sure that the IUD can be put in the correct place.
You may also be tested for infections, such as STIs. It's best to do this before an IUD is fitted so that you can have treatment (if you need it) before the IUD is put in. Sometimes, you may be given antibiotics at the same time as the IUD is fitted.
It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to insert an IUD. The vagina is held open, like it is during a cervical screening (smear) test, and the IUD is inserted through the cervix and into the womb.
The fitting process can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. You may get cramps afterwards. You can ask for a local anaesthetic or painkillers before having the IUD fitted. An anaesthetic injection itself can be painful, so many women have the procedure without.
You may get pain and bleeding for a few days after having an IUD fitted. Discuss this with your GP or nurse beforehand.
The IUD needs to be checked by a doctor after three to six weeks. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any problems before or after this first check or if you want the IUD removed.
Also speak to your doctor or nurse if you or your partner are at risk of getting an STI. This is because STIs can lead to an infection in the pelvis.
See your GP or go back to the clinic where your IUD was fitted as soon as you can if you:
have pain in your lower abdomen
have a high temperature
have a smelly discharge
These may mean you have an infection.
How to tell whether an IUD is still in place
An IUD has two thin threads that hang down a little way from your womb into the top of your vagina. The doctor or nurse who fits your IUD will teach you how to feel for these threads and check that it is still in place.
Check your IUD is in place a few times in the first month, and then after each period or at regular intervals.
It's very unlikely that your IUD will come out, but if you can't feel the threads or if you think the IUD has moved, you may not be fully protected against getting pregnant. See your doctor or nurse straight away and use an extra method of contraception, such as condoms, until your IUD has been checked. If you've had sex recently you may need to use emergency contraception.
Your partner shouldn't be able to feel your IUD during sex. If he can feel the threads, get your doctor or nurse to check that your IUD is in place. They may be able to cut the threads to a shorter length. If you feel any pain during sex, go for a check-up.
An IUD can be removed at any time by a trained doctor or nurse.
If you're not going to have another IUD put in and you don't want to get pregnant, use another method (such as condoms) for seven days before you have the IUD removed. This is to stop sperm getting into your body. Sperm can live for up to seven days in the body and could make you pregnant once the IUD is removed.
As soon as an IUD is taken out, your normal fertility should return.
Advantages and disadvantages of the IUD
Although an IUD is an effective method of contraception, there are some things to consider before having one fitted.
Advantages of the IUD
most women can use an IUD, including women who have never been pregnant
once an IUD is fitted, it works straight away and lasts for up to 10 years or until it's removed
it doesn't interrupt sex
it can be used if you're breastfeeding
your normal fertility returns as soon as the IUD is taken out
it's not affected by other medicines
There's no evidence that having an IUD fitted will increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) or ovarian cancer. Some women experience changes in mood and libido, but these changes are very small. There is no evidence that the IUD affects weight.
Disadvantages of the IUD
Your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, though this may improve after a few months.
An IUD doesn't protect against STIs, so you may have to use condoms as well. If you get an STI while you have an IUD, it could lead to a pelvic infection if not treated.
The most common reasons that women stop using an IUD are vaginal bleeding and pain.
Damage to the womb
In fewer than one in 1,000 cases, an IUD && IUScan perforate (make a hole in) the womb or neck of the womb (cervix) when it's put in. This can cause pain in the lower abdomen but doesn't usually cause any other symptoms. If the doctor or nurse fitting your IUD or IUS is experienced, the risk of this is very low.
If perforation occurs, you may need surgery to remove the IUD or IUS. Contact your GP straight away if you feel a lot of pain after having an IUD or IUS fitted as perforations should be treated immediately
No comments:
Post a Comment