Intrauterine devices or IUDs went out of favor in the 1970s and 1980s after lawsuits over the Dalkon Shield called into question their safety. However, in 2010 IUDs are a safe, relatively inexpensive, convenient and highly effective form of birth control for women. Although not all women can use an IUD, Planned Parenthood reports that 99 out of 100 women who do say that they are pleased with their birth control choice.
Definition
An IUD is a small T-shaped form made of flexible plastic that a doctor inserts through the vagina into the uterus or womb to provide birth control. IUDs change the uterine environment in a way that inhibits sperm movement so that they cannot fertilize the egg.
Types
Two types of IUDs are available in the United States as of 2010. Mirena releases a steady dose of the steroid hormone progestin. Progestin thins the lining of the uterus and thickens the mucus secreted by the cervix, the opening to the uterus. Both of these effects inhibit sperm from reaching the egg. Progestin also works against ovulation, although a woman might still ovulate while using a Mirena IUD. The ParaGard IUD steadily releases copper, which alters sperm movement and thins the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.
Effectiveness
The Mirena IUD can be an effective form of birth control for up to five years after its insertion in the uterus and the ParaGard IUD can last up to 12 years, according to Planned Parenthood. The Mayo Clinic says that only one in 100 women who use the Mirena or ParaGard IUD for one year will become pregnant. Women who do get pregnant while using an IUD have a higher risk for an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
Benefits
Contraception with an IUD starts and stops quickly with insertion and removal of the device. With the copper IUD, protection from unwanted pregnancy begins with insertion of the device. With the Mirena IUD, if inserted within seven days of the start of a period, contraception is immediate; otherwise, it takes seven days for the contraceptive effect to begin. As an added benefit, the Mirena IUD often reduces cramping and blood flow during menstrual periods. When a woman wants to get pregnant, normal fertility returns very quickly after her doctor removes either type of IUD.rnPlanned Parenthood says that the ParaGard can also be used as an emergency contraceptive up to five days after unprotected sex, with a success rate of 99.9 percent.
Considerations
Doctors will not recommend IUDs for all women. Women with a pelvic infections, sexually transmitted disease or cancer of the uterus or cervix should not use either type of IUD. Women with an allergy to copper or Wilson's disease, a condition that prevents the body from ridding itself of copper, should not use the ParaGard IUD. Women with serious liver disease, breast cancer or a high risk of developing breast cancer should not use the Mirena IUD.
