In recent years, there has been a rapid and steady rise in the number of women using IUDs as their birth control of choice. After a dangerous reputation of causing injury and severe side effects in the 70’s and being almost non-existent in the 80’s and 90’s, it is making a comeback and in a big way, with lots of press and ads on TV. The user rate is still relatively small compared to other contraceptives (birth control), but According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the IUD has the highest rate of patient satisfaction and continuation of all reversible contraceptive methods. It’s no wonder. It has few side effects, for most women, and is highly effective, 99% in most clinical trials. In February, the FDA approved a new IUD called Liletta. It joins Mirena, Skyla and ParaGuard as an additional choice for this safe and effective method of birth control.
What is an IUD?
Called an Intrauterine Device, it is a small, plastic T-shaped piece that is inserted into the uterus by a health care practitioner, usually an ob/gyn, during a regular office visit. Liletta, Mirena and Skyla release small amounts of the hormone called Levonorgestrel into the uterus. ParaGuard is a T-shaped device made of copper instead of plastic and does not release hormones.
How does the IUD work?
For Liletta, Mirena and Skyla:
- The hormone released creates a thick, sticky mucus that blocks the cervix to keep sperm out of the uterus.
- It also decreases the mobility of sperm in case they do make it past the cervix.
- In some women it decreases or stops ovulation.
The Para Guard works a little differently. It slowly releases copper into the uterus and this is toxic to sperm.
What are the side effects?
The side effects are relatively small. Some women experience irregular bleeding, abdominal or back pain or an itchy or swollen vagina. Of course, there is potential for more severe side effects and serious problems, such as perforation of the uterus. These are rare, but still should be discussed with your doctor.
Why should I consider choosing the IUD for birth control?
While there are many contraceptive options to choose from the IUD is one of the most convenient and effective methods. Consider these things when deciding whether to use an IUD.
- There are four different IUDs of varying sizes and hormone levels so you can be sure to get one that fits your individual needs. You can get one regardless of if you have given birth or not.
- They last anywhere from 3-10 years, depending on the type, and can be taken out at any time. Once the IUD is removed it is possible and safe to get pregnant shortly after.
- You and your partner will not be able to feel it, except maybe the slight sensation of the strings hanging into the vagina.
- You get it put in and then forget about it. There’s no having to remember a pill everyday or frequent doctor’s appointments.
- Another important factor is that the hormones released by the IUD mainly stay inside the uterus instead of circulating through the bloodstream. Therefore, it can be an excellent alternative for those women who have typical side effects from regular hormonal contraception like birth control pills, shots and implants.
- It tends to lighten menstrual flow significantly.
- At $0-$1,000 it is the most inexpensive long-term reversible method of birth control there is.
It is important to note that the IUD is used only for birth control. The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
We are fortunate to have many types of contraception on the market, pills, implants, diaphragms (yes, they’re still around) and condoms, just to name a few. Some of them are more/less convenient, some more/less effective, and some having more/less side effects than others. It seems the IUD is on the positive side of all three of these things and is an excellent method to consider.
*Picture retrieved from: http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images
Vicki is a Certified Health Education Specialist with a BS degree in Health Education. She has taught health and sex education to teens and adults for over 20 years. Vicki believes that our sexuality embodies our entire being and that it extends far beyond sex. Her articles focus on issues that celebrate the whole of our sexuality and how it defines us, our society and culture. Kiss and Tell is the perfect platform for her to explore emotional well-being, sexual health, safety and parenting as they relate to sexuality. All this plus she gets to write about spicy sex stuff, too.
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