The intrauterine device or IUD is a small match stick sized plastic and copper device, nowadays often T shaped, which is placed inside the womb. The word intrauterine means \u201cinside the womb\u201d and IUDs work by preventing the egg from being fertilized or implanted inside the womb and also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. The IUD also works by helping to create a barrier of mucus within the cervix which blocks the route of sperm.\u00a0 The copper element of the device also has a spermicidal effect helping to raise the level of effectiveness a user experiences from an IUD. The device has two threads which hang slightly down from the vagina and are most commonly used by doctors to check and remove it correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family planning clinics, gynacologists and specially trained doctors should be approached to install the device. It will most likely be installed at a point when you are coming towards the end of your period or have just finished. The installation process takes around ten minutes and is said to be moderately painful for women. Next, the doctor will examine the cervix using a speculum. The length of the womb is then verified using a tool called a sound. Next, the IUD is carried into the womb in a straw like device which enters through the vagina and then cervix and finally ejected inside the womb.\u00a0 Following a successful installation, the patient must rest fully for half an hour. Aspirin and some additional padding to deal with any blood loss over the following few days is also advised, while any sexual activity should be delayed for at least twenty four hours. It is important that new users continue to check the installation within the vagina regularly, as expulsions involving coils are a common issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the IUD can be fitted, a sexual health check up is advised by doctors. This is to ensure that you are not already suffering an infection before the coil is fitted. Installation of the device can often lead to infections such as Chlamydia becoming aggravated and leading to pain, fever or discharge. If this check up highlights any irregularities, you will be advised against using the IUD. Patients suffering from a pelvic infection, some vaginal bleeding or are identified as having a structurally irregular womb or cervix should not be allowed to have the coil installed.\u00a0 The IUD is known for being extremely difficult to fit within women that have not experienced child birth. As a result, this grouping may be advised against this form of contraception. Any history of ectopic pregnancy, a condition whereby a fertilized egg can attached itself outside of the womb, will rule you out of using this form of contraception, as will any current pregnancy. Furthermore, women with a medical history of heavy periods will be referred to the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system which is a different type of coil known for releasing a hormone designed to thin the lining of the womb and reduce this bleeding. Heart value problems can lead to your doctor to recommend an alternative to the IUD while those with an allergy to copper will also be advised on an alternative. The coil can move out of place on occasions and therefore regular check ups will be needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The IUD is a highly effective method of contraception which offers a 98 to 99%. Furthermore, once installed there is no restrictive course of pills. The coil has a life span of five to ten years, with an annual check up required and this sets it out as an effective long term contraceptive solution. The IUD also offers a relatively effective form of emergency contraception. The coil can prevent a pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex, provided that it is fitted within this time frame. This offers an option to any couples who may have failed to use the emergency contraceptive pill within the established twenty four hour period after sex. The coil is available from most GPs and family planning clinics at no cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As with most forms of female contraception, the IUD can lead to heavier and more painful periods for users. Furthermore, the coil can occasionally perforate the wall of the womb or even the cervix during installation and this will lead to increased pain and discomfort in the lower stomach and should be treated as soon as possible. Within the first twenty days of use, there is a slight risk of infection for users. Furthermore the coil does not protect against any form of sexually transmitted infection and this exposure creates an increased risk of pelvic infection amongst users. While pregnancies amongst women using the IUD device are rare, on these occasions a small risk of ectopic pregnancy exists. This is because the IUD is able to effectively prevent pregnancy within the womb leading fertilized eggs to attach themselves to areas like the fallopian tubes. This condition is extremely dangerous and if users experience symptoms like bleeding as well as pain in the lower abdomen and miss a period they should consult a doctor. An additional, less complex risk is that in some instances the IUD can move out of position thus lowering the contraceptives level of effectiveness and highlighting the need for regular check ups.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The intrauterine device or IUD is a small match stick sized plastic and copper device, nowadays often T shaped, which is placed inside the womb. The word intrauterine means \u201cinside the womb\u201d and IUDs work by preventing the egg from being fertilized or implanted inside the womb and also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34\/revisions\/35"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}