Intrauterine contraception (IUC) is a type of female birth control that involves the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) within a woman's uterus. This form of birth control can provide continuous protection from pregnancy for 5 to 10 years when used properly. Discuss the cons of intrauterine contraception with your gynecologist before choosing an IUD as your method of birth control.
Bleeding and Pain
Use of an intrauterine contraceptive can cause you to experience increased vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain and cramping during your menstrual period. In clinical trials for ParaGard, one of two marketed IUDs within the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that approximately 12 percent of women stopped using this IUD due to severe symptoms associated with vaginal bleeding or pain. These effects of IUC can begin to subside after the first three to six months of IUD use but may persist for longer periods in some women. Women who experience abnormally heavy vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain after insertion of an IUD should discuss these side effects with a gynecologist, as severe symptoms can be indicative of a vaginal or uterine infection.
Infection
Following insertion of an IUD, some women may develop a reproductive system infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), caused by uterine exposure to bacteria. Symptoms of PID include abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, abdominal or pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. Left untreated, PID can lead to ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain or infertility. Contact your gynecologist immediately if you develop symptoms of PID after having an IUD placed inside your uterus.
Expulsion
If you have never been pregnant, you're at an increased risk of expelling an IUD from your uterus after it is placed. An IUD that's partially or completed expelled from the uterus can cause abdominal pain or cramping and leaves you susceptible to pregnancy. The FDA reports that approximately 6 percent of women experience IUD expulsion during the first year of use. If you believe your IUD has fallen out of place, use a backup method of birth control--such as a condom--and contact your gynecologist for further evaluation and care.
Pregnancy
Abstinence (not engaging in sexual intercourse) is the only birth control method that completely eliminates the risk of pregnancy. While using an IUD, your risk of becoming pregnant is less than 1 percent based upon estimates provided by the FDA. Women who become pregnant while using an IUD are at an increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the fetus begins to develop outside of the uterus. Contact your gynecologist if you believe you may be pregnant or if you experience symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain.
References
- "Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care"; Pros and cons of intrauterine contraception--do perceptions of users and physicians differ?; K Makkonen, et. al.; September 1994
- U.S. Agency for International Development: Intra-Uterine Devices - Increasing Options for Long-Term Contraception
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: ParaGard Prescribing Label
