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April 27, 2024
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IUD: Ask questions and find out if it's a good fit for you

The Intrauterine Contraceptive Device, popularly known as IUD, is considered the most effective reversible contraceptive on the market.

According to gynecologist Rodrigo da Rosa Filho, although this method still has a low usage rate, it has been growing exponentially in popularity, especially in the last decade.

The choice of the most appropriate option should always be made with medical advice, as, like every contraceptive method, has its pros and cons.

Learn more about the IUD, ask questions and find out if it is a good alternative for you.

9 IUD Questions Answered

The gynecologist clarifies some of the most common IUD questions:

Read also: 38 Contraceptive Questions Answered by Gynecologists

1. How does the IUD work?

According to the professional, there are different types of IUDs, but most are made of polyethylene, with or without the addition of metallic (copper) or hormonal (progesterone) substances. "When implanted, the IUD creates an intrauterine environment hostile to sperm, preventing their arrival to the fallopian tubes or having a spermicidal effect," says Rodrigo.

2. How to put the IUD?

When the patient, in conjunction with her doctor, chooses the IUD, the gynecologist inserts the piece into the womb through a surgical procedure. The device can be housed up to 12 years, depending on its structure, explains the doctor.

3. How is the removal of the IUD?

The effectiveness of the copper IUD can last up to 10 years, while the hormone lasts for five years. But if the patient wants to withdraw first, there are no problems. Rodrigo clarifies that the ideal is to wait at least six months? time when the effects are still adapting to the body. After that, it can be removed in the office, pulling the device by the wires left visible. If they are not reached, sedation or surgical removal may be necessary ?.

4. What is the price of the IUD?

The value of the IUD varies greatly depending on the product chosen and the placement fee charged by the healthcare professional. On average, it costs between R $ 70,00 to R $ 700,00 reais and the placement between R $ 250,00 to R $ 600,00. But an advantage is that IUD placement is provided for in most health plans and the SUS also offers free (copper) insertion.

Overall, the copper IUD is often a cheaper and more affordable device for the general population. Taking into account that the device can last up to ten years, its use can compensate financially in relation to the expenses with other contraceptive methods like pills?, Comments the expert.

Read also: How to choose the best contraceptive

5. What are the chances of getting pregnant using the IUD?

The doctor says that the IUD, when implanted, acts as a mechanical barrier to pregnancy. But if the woman wants to become pregnant, the device should be removed about three months before attempting conception, so that the body has enough time to return to normal physiology and pregnancy is more likely to succeed.

6. Does the IUD protect against STDs?

The copper or hormonal IUD is a contraceptive method and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is still necessary to use condoms.

7. What are the risks of the IUD?

It is possible that at the time of IUD insertion the muscle contracts and it eventually enters the myometrium. In some cases, it can migrate to the abdominal cavity and the worst possible consequence is perforation of the bowel? Warns the gynecologist.

8. Can any woman use the IUD?

"The method is suitable for patients of childbearing age, as long as pregnancy is not suspected, congenital malformation of the uterus, uterine neoplasms, uterine bleeding of unknown cause, coagulopathies, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervix and risk of sexually transmitted diseases," explains Rodrigo.

9. Do you have any contraindications?

According to the doctor, although very effective and help prevent side reactions caused by hormones, the device can have some side effects. "In the first three months after IUD insertion, the patient may experience worsening menstrual cramps, increased menstrual time by about one day and still have uterine bleeding," she says.

Also read: 12 Factors That Affect Female Fertility And You Didn't Imagine

With questions answered, it is easier to rethink your contraceptive method and consider the possibilities that the IUD offers.

IUD Types

The two IUD options are Copper and Hormonal. Gynecologist Rodrigo da Rosa Filho explains the characteristics and differences between each one:

Copper IUD: It is a small, flexible T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus in the doctor's office. It acts at different stages of the reproductive process, from making it difficult for sperm to pass through to prevent egg implantation in the uterine wall. Its effects last about 10 years. It does not require monthly maintenance, only periodic visits to the gynecologist and ultrasound to assess if it is properly positioned. It may cause changes in the cycle, especially in the first three months. Reports of increased flow, bleeding between menstrual periods, and more severe cramps varying from woman to woman are common.

Hormonal IUD: The intrauterine system (IUS) or Mirena, also known as the hormonal IUD, releases hormones into the body, preventing sperm from finding the egg. Like the copper IUD, it needs to be placed in the doctor's office. Being hormonal, there is decreased flow and duration of menstruations. The effectiveness rate is high, similar to contraceptive methods such as tubal ligation and the copper IUD. Lasts up to five years. As with the copper IUD, there are rare cases of uterine wall perforation or dislocation.

The expert points out that a prior consultation is necessary, so that the gynecologist can better know the patient, and together can decide on the most appropriate.

Read also: Alert: Yaz, Yasmin and Elani Are More Dangerous Than Other Contraceptives

IUD x Other Methods

Defining the best contraceptive method depends on the characteristics of each woman's body, routine and habits. Know the differences in the IUD compared to the other methods:

Contraceptive pill

The pill is given continuously and requires daily intake of the pills. The pack, which may contain 21 to 28 tablets, should be started on the first day of the menstrual cycle.

When used correctly, it prevents pregnancy more than 99% of the time, but can have side effects such as dizziness and headaches, as well as bleeding (leaks during the month) and bloating due to fluid retention.

The woman who wants to use the birth control pill just cannot be a smoker because it increases the risk of heart attack and heart disease. The IUD, while it may also have some side effects, need not be reminded daily and the woman may be more carefree.

Vaginal ring

It is a soft, round-shaped polyurethane piece that is introduced into the vagina as if it were an internal absorbent. It can be inserted by the woman herself and stays inside the vagina for 21 days.

Does it work by releasing hormones that, like those in the pill, inhibit ovulation? Small doses of the substance are released daily and absorbed into the vagina wall.

In case of discomfort or expulsion, the ring can stay up to three hours outside the body, be cleaned and replaced by the woman herself without problems. Unlike an IUD, it does not need to be worn by a doctor. On the other hand, the IUD does not need to be replaced every month.

Injection

Contraceptive injections may be monthly or quarterly. After application, the substance is stored in the musculature and is gradually absorbed by the body. Those given quarterly do not have the same positive effect on the skin. Like the IUD, the procedure is done once and there is no need for a daily reminder.

Sticker

Like the vaginal ring, the contraceptive patch hormone is absorbed into the skin in small amounts daily for a week. After application (which should be done on the first day of menstruation), it should be changed weekly and a break should be taken after the third week for menstruation to subside. The main disadvantage compared to the IUD is the need for constant exchange, in addition to the risk of skin loosening.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a barrier method, ie while the other methods interfere directly with the menstrual cycle, the barrier ones work locally and have been increasingly sought by women who do not adapt with the use of hormones.

The diaphragm is made of silicone, resembles a hood and must be fitted to the bottom of the vagina by the woman herself, as well as menstrual collectors. It can also be used in conjunction with condoms and is not in danger of getting out of place during sex by creating a vacuum in the region.

It should be placed only at the time of sex or minutes before, and in addition, the woman should use a spermicidal gel to increase effectiveness. It can only be removed from the vagina six hours after intercourse, ensuring that all sperm have died.

Although it is easy to find, you need to consult your gynecologist to find out which size is right for you.

Condom

It is also a barrier method with no hormonal interference in the cycle.Remember that condoms are the only way to prevent both fertilization and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Does the condom need to be placed at the moment of intercourse and cannot be used again, even at the same time? For each penetration it is necessary to change the condom. When well placed, the condom creates a? Vacuum? and prevents semen leakage by keeping it stored at the tip of the condom.

Most importantly before opting for the IUD or any other method is to evaluate the pros and cons, understand which one fits your profile best and consult a doctor to make the choice without risks and without unintended consequences.