Ilumistream Health
Birth Control #5: Internal Rx birth Control-IUD
The Intrauterine Device or IUD is the most popular method of birth control in the world with 160 million women relying upon it.
[Alice W. Ko, M.D., Obstetrics & Gynecology, Doctors of the World, John Hopkins]
An Intrauterine Device or IUD is a T-shaped plastic instrument that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs available in the United States. ParaGuard and Mirena. ParaGuard is an older form of an IUD that contains copper. Its presence encourages the body to release leukocytes and prostaglandins; substances that are hostile to both sperm and eggs or ova.
Mirena does this as well but it also contains progestin. This hormone decreases the frequency with which a woman releases eggs. In addition, Mirena changes the structure of a woman’s cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to meet egg. Although both types have different methods of action, they are inserted in the same manner. A doctor measures the length and width of the cervix and uterus with an instrument called a sound. Then a tube containing the IUD is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. Once there, the device’s folded arms open up to a T-form.
IUD insertion may cause pain and cramps and some doctors recommend taking pain medicine prior to the procedure. It can also help to insert the device mid-cycle when the cervix is naturally dilated. Once inserted, an IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy; lasting for five years in Mirena’s case and ten or more in ParaGuards. Should a woman decide to have her IUD removed early, she might take up to a year to get pregnant.
This long length of time, an obtrusive placement and ease of use all contribute to the IUD’s popularity. In addition, its $200.00 to $500.00 price tag makes it the cheapest form of long term birth control in the United States. In addition, Mirena can reduce or even menstruation within one year of insertion. ParaGuard, on the other hand, may increase menstrual flow by 50%. Also, in the unlikely events that a woman becomes pregnant while using an IUD she is more likely to miscarry, give birth prematurely or have an ectopic pregnancy which is a dangerous condition whereby, a fertilized egg develops in a fallopian tube. To avoid a pregnancy, it is important for a woman to wash her hands insert her finger into the vagina and feel for the string between periods thereby, insuring that the device has not moved.
Intrauterine devices are incredibly effective and very popular. However, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of an IUD.
Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services