Intrauterine Devices: A Contraceptive Option More Women Should Consider

Combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only contraceptives, NuvaRing, Depo Provera, condoms, and natural family planning. That long list describes only a portion of contraceptive options that are available to women who would like to avoid pregnancy today. This amount of choice is great, because it means that there is a contraceptive to meet the needs of almost every woman. 

How about intrauterine devices? 

Are you looking for a reliable contraceptive that you can forget about once it is placed, and that will protect you from an unwanted pregnancy for many years? Then this often-overlooked options might just be right for you.

Intrauterine Devices At A Glance

Many different types of intrauterince devices are on the market throughout the world, but all are small devices that are inserted into the uterus. Intrauterine devices are usually T-shaped these days, with a small string that hangs through the cervix.

IUDs come in copper-bearing and hormonal varieties and are inserted at a gynecologist's office, sometimes with the help of local anesthesia. 

How does an IUD prevent pregnancy? The presence of a foreign object within the uterus causes an inflammation. The copper or hormone reservoir also act to prevent pregnancy — more about that later.

Intrauterine devices fall into a category known as long-lasting reversible contraceptive methods.

In the United States, they are not nearly as popular though an increasing number of women chooses an IUD. A few years back, only five percent of women who used contraceptives chose an intrauterine device. Now, that has risen to eight percent.

The use of UIDs is on the rise for a good reason — no matter what type of intrauterine device you choose, it will be at least 99 percent effective and thus just as reliable as a getting your tubes tied (tubal ligation)! Though your IUD will last you five (hormonal IUD) to 12 (copper-bearing IUD) years,  you can have it removed at any time.

Some women question the safety of intrauterine devices, because a 1970s IUD brand called the Dalkon Shield was associated with an increased infection risk. That type has been off the market for decades now, and IUDs are a safe contraceptive option for most women, including those who have not had children.

One another thing we should address is the perception that intrauterine devices allow eggs to be fertilized, and merely stop them from implanting.

Both types of IUDs also interfere with ovulation. 

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for an IUD, however. Women who think they could possibly be pregnant should never have an IUD inserted, as this is very dangerous for a fetus. Those with unexplained vaginal bleeding and certain medical conditions should not use an IUD either. The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and is therefore not a good option for women who need this protection. 

If you are in a committed relationship and would like to prevent pregnancy for years at a time just by having a small device fitted, an IUD may be the perfect solution for you. We'll discuss the benefits and disadvantages of hormonal and copper-bearing IUDs in the next section.

Mirena Vs Paragard

Paragard IUD: A Simple But Effective Device

The Paragard intrauterine device is a T-shaped device that is largely made out of plastic and partially covered with copper. It is made in the United States, and the only copper-containing and non-hormonal IUD approved for use there. Copper-containing IUDs are more commonly known as a "copper coil". Once inserted, the Paragard IUD can remain in place for up to 12 years.

At more than 99 percent effective, the copper coil is one of the most effective contraceptives any woman could choose.

The copper IUD prevents pregnancy in a few different ways simultaneously:

• The presence of the device inflames the uterus and affects its lining so that no fertilized egg can implant. 

• The copper IUD most probably inhibits the development of mature eggs. 

• The presence of the copper acts as a spermicide, so conception is extremely unlikely.

Mirena: A Very Effective Contraceptive Indeed

The Mirena intrauterine system is a T-shaped plastic device that also contains a reservoir that delivers levonorgestrel (a progestin) into the uterus every 24 hours. Because this reservoir contains a limited amount of hormones, Mirena needs to be replaced more often than a copper-bearing IUD — once every five years. 

Mirena thickens a woman's cervical mucus over time due to the progestin, something that makes it almost impossible for sperm to get past the cervix. As with Paragard, the uterine lining is also thinned. Mirena users will not ovulate very frequently, but ovulation can occur on occasion. 

Because Mirena is a hormonal contraceptive, it can cause similar side effects as the pill. Breast tenderness, mood swings and skin problems are among the side effects some women experience after having Mirena placed. The most common "side effect" is actually one of Mirena's biggest advantages, though. Mirena users tend to have much lighter periods, and their menstruation can even come to a complete halt. This prospect is especially appealing to women who suffer from painful, heavy and prolonged menstrual periods!

Mirena can be used by every woman who would also be a candidate for Paragard, except women with current or recent breast cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.