About Intrauterine Devices

Overview

An intrauterine device (IUD) provides an effective means of long-term birth control. While IUD use is popular throughout the world, only 2 percent of American women use this form of birth control, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Two types of IUDs are approved for use in the United States.

Identification

Both types of IUDs use a T-shaped device that is inserted through a thin tube placed into the uterus. When the IUD is positioned properly, your doctor removes the tube and the IUD unfolds in the uterus. IUDs feature an attached "tail," a string that protrudes slightly into the vagina. The string is an important feature, as it allows you to check that the IUD is still in place. If the string can no longer be felt, the IUD may have been expelled from your uterus, leaving you unprotected from possible pregnancy.

Types

The Mirena IUD continually releases small amounts of progestin, a hormone found in birth control pills, into the uterus. Progestin thickens mucus in the cervix, slowing or preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The Mirena IUD also causes sperm to become less active and results in thinning of the uterine lining, preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus. Copper threads wound around the base of the ParaGard IUD gradually release copper in to the uterus. Copper prevents sperm from reaching the eggs, reduces the likelihood that a sperm will be able to fertilize an egg and prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall.

Benefits

Once an IUD has been inserted, the need to worry about taking a pill or using a removable birth control device is eliminated. The ParaGard IUD protects against pregnancy for up to 10 years, while the Mirena IUD prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. Both types of IUDS result in pregnancy rates of less than 1 in 100 women, according to Planned Parenthood. Use of the Mirena IUD may reduce cramping during the menstrual period and cause periods to stop or become lighter than normal.

Considerations

Some women may experience cramping or bleeding for several weeks after the IUD has been inserted. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful in relieving mild to moderate pain. If pain is severe, contact your doctor. If you are using the ParaGard IUD, you may experience increased menstrual flow, which can eventually cause a lower red blood cell count in some women.

Warning

If you happen to become pregnant while using an IUD, an ectopic pregnancy can occur. During an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg begins to develop in the fallopian tubes rather than in the uterus. This can result in a potentially life-threatening problem as the embryo grows and threatens to rupture the tubes. If you experience pain in the shoulder or abdomen, fainting, weakness and irregular vaginal bleeding while using an IUD, seek medical assistance immediately. IUDs should not be used by women who have liver problems, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease in the past three months, have unusual vaginal bleeding or have had or may have pelvic cancer. If you are allergic to copper, you should avoid using the ParaGard IUD. IUDs are not recommended for women who have sexually transmitted diseases, according to ACOG.