Is an IUD effective?
Question:
Answers:
The literature says that with the Mirena IUD, only 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in the five years that they use it. I think that's pretty good. My friend got pregnant while on the pill, then again when she was on the depo, but nothing yet with the Mirena! The insertion of the IUD was no joke, but I have had no side effects whatsoever. I do not get my period at all,, and I love it! Also, with Mirena, unlike other forms of birth control, there is no risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or osteoperosis.
The cost, including the actual IUD, doctor visit, and insertion, was about $1000, which my insurance paid 80% of, leaving me with a cost of $200. Totally worth it for the peace of mind and convenience!
P.S. I know at least four women who have one and we all love it!
masturbation is even more effective.
Before I went on the pill I discussed the option of an IUD with my gyno. He said they were effective but that there were side effects such as tearing or if the little string that dangles down gets out of place, the IUD will dislodge, leaving a greater risk of pregnancy. The whole idea gave me the willies and the idea of having to monitor a little string seemed too much of a bother so I went on the pill, regardless of the risks. It is a matter of personal preference. I would speak to a gyno about it. Different brands cost different prices.
It's effective but it'll change the timing and strength of your period. you might have your period every 2 or 3 months sometimes.
the doctor can give more details.. and the safest way to use..
I have had mine for two years and love it, I have not had a cycle in 22 months. The insertion was painless and the cost was $500.00. 5would highly recommend it!
It is over 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy -- interestingly, even more than getting your tubes tied. I copied/pasted some info from PPFA for you, and I included the link in case you want to see more. If you don't have insurance, it costs anywhere from about $200-500, depending on where you have it inserted.
From the PPFA Web site:
"Two types are now available in the U.S.:
ParaGard (Copper T 380A) — contains copper and can be left in place for 12 years
Mirena — continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin, and is effective for five years
Intrauterine Devices
The Basics
The letters "IUD" stand for "intrauterine device."
IUDs are small, "T-shaped" contraceptive devices made of flexible plastic. IUDs are available by prescription only. A woman and her clinician decide which is the right type for her, and the clinician inserts it in her uterus to prevent pregnancy. Two types are now available in the U.S.:
ParaGard (Copper T 380A) — contains copper and can be left in place for 12 years
Mirena — continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin, and is effective for five years
How IUDs Work
Both kinds of IUDs work by preventing sperm from joining with an egg by affecting the way they move. The hormone in Mirena increases effectiveness. It thickens cervical mucus, which provides a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It also prevents some women's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation).
IUDs also alter the lining of the uterus. In theory, this may prevent pregnancy by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg — but this has not been scientifically proven.
IUDs have a string attached that hangs down through the cervix into the vagina. A woman can make sure the IUD is in place by feeling for the string in her vagina. A clinician uses the string to remove the IUD.
Effectiveness
The IUD is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of 100 women who use ParaGard or Mirena, one or fewer will become pregnant during the first year of typical* use. Fewer than one will become pregnant with perfect** use. Fewer pregnancies occur with continued use.
It is very important to remember that the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom with the IUD to reduce the risk of infection.
*Typical use refers to failure rates for women whose use is not consistent or always correct.
**Perfect use refers to failure rates for those whose use is consistent and always correct.
Advantages
IUDs are the most popular form of reversible birth control in the world. More than 85 million women use them.
IUDs may improve a woman's sex life. There is nothing to put in place before intercourse to protect against pregnancy. Some women say they feel free to be more spontaneous because they do not have to worry about becoming pregnant.
ParaGard does not change a woman's hormone levels.
Mirena may reduce menstrual cramps and flow. Average flow is reduced by 90 percent. Flow stops altogether for about 20 percent of women within one year. Reduced flow may reduce iron deficiency anemia.
The ability to become pregnant returns quickly when IUD use is stopped.
The IUD is one of the most private methods of birth control. No one can tell you’re using it. There is no packaging or other evidence of use that might embarrass some users.
The IUD as Emergency Contraception
The ParaGard IUD can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 99.9 percent if inserted within five days after unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects that usually clear up after the first several weeks to months include —
changes to menstrual flow
Spotting between periods is common with IUD use.
ParaGard may cause a 50 to 75 percent increase in menstrual flow. In some cases this may lead to anemia.
menstrual cramps or backaches
Possible Complications
Serious problems with the IUD are rare. Report problems to your clinician right away to avoid further complications.
Expulsion — Occasionally, the IUD will partially or completely slip out of the uterus. It is more likely among younger women and women who have never had a baby. If it happens, a woman can become pregnant. If partially expelled, the IUD must be removed.
Perforation — Very rarely, the IUD is pushed through the wall of the uterus during insertion. Although it sounds painful, it usually isn't. Perforation is usually discovered and corrected right away. If not, the IUD can move into other parts of the pelvic area, and could damage internal organs. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the IUD.
Infection — Pelvic infection associated with IUD use is rare. It is caused by bacteria getting into the uterus during insertion. Most infection develops within three weeks of insertion. Infection after three weeks is very rare. It usually happens through exposure to sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Pelvic infections left untreated can cause sterility.
Tell your clinician immediately if you ...
find that the string length has become shorter or longer
are not able to feel the string
feel the hard plastic bottom of the "T" of the IUD against the cervix
think you might be pregnant
have periods that are much heavier or last much longer than usual
have
severe abdominal cramping, pain, or tenderness in the abdomen
pain or bleeding during sex
unexplained fever and/or chills
flu-like symptoms - muscle aches, fatigue
unusual vaginal discharge
a missed, late, or unusually light period
unexplained vaginal bleeding
Pregnancy — Most pregnancies happen to IUD users when their IUDs slip out without their knowing it. The chance that a pregnancy will happen while an IUD is in place is very low. If it does happen, have the IUD removed, if at all possible, as soon as you know you're pregnant. Women who choose to complete a pregnancy with an IUD in place must have close medical supervision throughout their pregnancy.
If you are pregnant with an IUD in place, there is an increased risk of
ectopic (not in the uterus) pregnancy
dangerous pelvic infection
miscarriage
early labor and delivery
Ectopic Pregnancy IUD users are less than half as likely to have an ectopic pregnancy as women who use no contraceptive. A pregnancy that happens while using an IUD, however, is more likely to be ectopic than one that happens when not using an IUD. Warning Signs - Get medical care right away if you have
irregular vaginal bleeding
pain in the abdomen or tip of the shoulder
sudden weakness or fainting
Ectopic pregnancies are life threatening and must be removed.
Who Can Use IUDs
Most healthy women can use an IUD, including younger women who have not had children.
An IUD may be right for you if you
want a very effective, long-term, reversible method of birth control
are breastfeeding
cannot use combined hormone methods because you smoke or have certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension
do not want to use hormone methods
You should not use the IUD if you
have had a pelvic infection following either childbirth or an abortion in the past three months
have or may have a sexually transmitted infection or other pelvic infection
think you might be pregnant
have cervical cancer that hasn't been treated
have cancer of the uterus
have unexplained bleeding in your vagina
have pelvic tuberculosis
have, or may have, an allergy to copper or have Wilson's Disease (ParaGard only)
have severe liver disease (Mirena only)
have, or may have, breast cancer (Mirena only)
Conditions of Increased Risk — Certain conditions or risks may increase the possibility of developing serious complications while using the IUD. These include being at risk for sexually transmitted infections at time of insertion or having
had PID — pelvic inflammatory disease — in the past 12 months
had two or more sexually transmitted infections within the past two years
a history of tubal infection - not a risk if you've had a pregnancy in your uterus since the infection
a history of impaired fertility and the desire to get pregnant in the future
uncontrolled infections of the cervix or vagina, including bacterial vaginosis
to take daily medication(s) containing a corticosteroid, such as prednisone
diabetes
severe anemia
a uterus positioned very far forward or backward in the pelvis
large fibroid tumors (not cancer) in the uterus
been born with severe abnormalities of the uterus
HIV or AIDS
blood that doesn't clot sufficiently
to take a medication to help your blood clot
ovarian cancer or current evaluation for ovarian cancer
serious blood clots in deep veins or lungs (Mirena only)
------------------------------...
iud is the intrauterine device. it is very small and it fits in your palm. it looks like a "T". there are 2 different types, and one of them is copper type. IUD is very effective in preventing pregnancy and it helps up to at least 10 years. the only problem is that it may cause heavier periods, and sometimes infection and pain. i recomment u best put an IUD when u have the first day or your period for less pain, u will just feel a pinch when they insert it. if u want more info go to:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/iudinf...
hope this helped and good luck!
I have had mine for about two years and haven't had any problems except for heavier periods which is very annoying (but on the plus side, my cycle is finally regular). My insurance covered the costs so I don't know how much they are. They are usually recommended for people who are married or in a long-time relationship with one partner. I've never had problems with the string, it's so small anyway it would be hard to disturb it, although it can happen. You should discuss with your doctor other options if you don't think the IUD is right for you.
More Questions & Answers...