The IUD is a small plastic device in the shape of the letter "T" that is placed inside the uterus by the doctor through the vagina and cervix into the uterus and has a thread that can be felt inside the vagina but does not appear outside the body, the doctor can remove the IUD at any time if desired stop using it (e.g., wanting to become pregnant, or switching to a different method of birth control) and return to fertility quickly.
IUD Types:
Copper IUD: This type does not contain hormones and prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. It lasts for at least 10 years, and the pregnancy rate for copper IUD users is less than 1% in the first year of use.
Hormonal IUD: It contains the hormone progesterone and is secreted inside the uterus. It prevents pregnancy by increasing the thickness of the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the fertilization of the ovule. It also works to reduce the thickness of the endometrium. There are different types of hormonal IUDs that last for different periods of time and continue to different periods of about 3 to 7 years of use, the pregnancy rate for hormonal IUD users is less than 1% in the first year of use.
How to use it:
The IUD is installed inside the uterus by the doctor after conducting a medical examination and making sure that there is no infection or pregnancy, as the IUD is inserted through the cervix using a special tool and can be done on any day during the month, but the procedure is usually more comfortable if it installed during the menstrual cycle due to the widening of the cervix at that time, and the doctor must be visited for follow-up after the first menstrual period after its installation, provided that this period does not exceed three months, in order to ensure its stability in its place.
Advantages of using IUD:
- The IUD is ideal if you don't plan to get pregnant for at least one year (or more).
- A very effective method that does not require daily or weekly attention.
- Suitable for people who do not want or cannot safely use estrogen (birth control pills).
- When you want to get pregnant, it is removed by the doctor quickly and does not affect the return of fertility again.
- It can be safely used during breastfeeding.
- The hormonal IUD helps reduce menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Possible side effects:
- After using the IUD, changes in menstrual bleeding are normal and not harmful. Some changes can be temporary and may disappear when the body gets used to the IUD.
- When changes in bleeding occur that cause concern, a doctor should be seen to prescribe some appropriate medications; to reduce bleeding.
- With the copper IUD, pain during menstruation and bleeding may increase during the first months of use, when painkillers can be used.
- The hormonal IUD may cause frequent spotting, more days of bleeding, and heavier bleeding in the first months of use. Over time, the amount of bleeding and the length of period usually decrease, and the pain also decreases.
- When using the hormonal IUD, menstruation may stop completely.
- Some women may also experience other side effects, including headache, nausea, breast pain, and mood changes.
Warning danger signs:
When you feel any of the following signs, you should see a doctor immediately:
- Sharp pain or cramps in the pelvic area.
- Unexplained high body temperature.
- Having flu-like symptoms (e.g.: fatigue and muscle aches).
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Menstruation stopped, delayed, or unusually low in abundance.
- Unexplained bleeding.
- Presence of signs or symptoms of pregnancy (positive pregnancy test or missed period).