Contraceptive: The Intrauterine Device
The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is one of the most effective methods of birth control. It is a small, T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It has one or two threads hangs down from IUD into the upper part of vagina. A doctor or trained nurse must fit IUD and it stays inside the uterus until doctor removes it.
Function
The function of IUD is to prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm reaching an egg. It is of two types. One is copper IUD and other one is coated with plastic that releases progesterone hormone. Copper IUD functions for about 10 years and needs to be replaced after 10 years. However IUD with progesterone hormone must be replaced every 5 years.
Advantages
• It is immediately effective when placed.
• It is not expensive.
• You can have intercourse without any interruption.
• You do not have to remember any thing to do that means you do not require any daily attention.
• It is long lasting. Once it is fitted it can work for more than 5 years.
Disadvantages
It does not protect you against sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Only a trained doctor or nurse can insert or remove IUD.
You may have a longer, heavier and more painful period. However it may improve in few months.
You may have some bleeding between periods.
It may injure the uterus during fitting.
Failure rate
It has very rare failure rate of about 1% only. It means by using an IUD you may have rarely an accidental pregnancy. However IUD is very effective and safe method of birth control, it is recommended that you should get it checked if it is placed in correct place as there is a possibility of coming out of place.
Future fertility
If you do not have a baby an IUD is not recommended for you. However at any time if you want to become pregnant you can get you IUD removed. IUD may lead to infertility in women.
Protection against STD
The intrauterine device does not protect you from sexually transmitted disease. Teenager girls may be at high risk of STDs if they are involved in sexual activities with multiple partners without using condoms. This may also lead to pelvic infection, which can subsequently make her unable to have a baby in future. So it is recommended that while you go for intercourse you must use condoms to protect yourself against STDs.
Points to keep in mind when to see a doctor
• If you feel any problem after getting your IUD fitted as example high temperature, pain in lower abdomen, smelly discharge from vagina, you must consult a doctor or the clinic where you got it fitted.
• If your partner feels the thread of IUD.
• If you do not feel the thread of IUD. However it not very common that IUD may come out but if you feel you must consult your doctor or nurse to check the thread if it is missing, short or long.
• If you find abnormal bleeding/bleeding.
Overall, if you keep in mind certain things, the Intrauterine Device will certainly be a very effective method.
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