IUD’s or intrauterine devices are some of the most reliable methods of contraception available, but many doctors are nervous of discussing them, especially with young women, as they think they will not be interested or willing to consider trying them. Here are six things that you may not know about IUD’s:
There are two different types of IUD’s both of which provide reliable, effective forms of contraception
One is the copper IUD which is one of the few hormone free methods of contraception and depending upon the type can last for up to ten years. The copper IUD has thin strands of copper twisted around it which affects sperm and makes them less able to fertilise an egg and also less likely to implant in the womb.The other IUD is the hormonal IUD - there is currently only one available in Australia, the Mirena® which lasts for up to five years. This slowly releases the hormone progesterone into the womb, which has the effect of making it harder for sperm to fertilize the egg and also thins the lining of the womb making the egg less able to implant.
IUD’s can be used by women who have never had children.
It used to be a common belief, even amongst many doctors, that IUD’s were not a suitable contraceptive choice for women who have not had children. However, although it can mean that they can be more difficult to fit and cause more pain at the time of insertion (compared with women who have had babies), the vast majority of IUD insertions are successful and most women report the pain as acceptable.The majority of IUD’s can easily be fitted in the comfort and convenience of the doctor’s surgery.
Although the fitting of an IUD can be uncomfortable the process itself normally only takes about 5-10 minutes and can easily be done in the treatment room of a doctor’s surgery. Occasionally, it cannot be done and some people require a general anaesthetic in order to have the IUD fitted.The risk of an ectopic pregnancy is not increased with an IUD in place.
An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus and can lead to life threatening blood loss: it used to be thought that the risk of this happening was higher with an IUD in place. More recent evidence shows that having an IUD in place does not increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy when compared to women without an IUD. Because the IUD is so good at preventing an intrauterine pregnancy, if you do fall pregnant with an IUD in place then there is a higher chance that it could be an ectopic pregnancy and an early ultrasound scan must be performed to check.The Mirena® can also be used for heavy periods.
After twelve months of having a Mirena® fitted over 50% of women report not having periods which makes it an ideal option for women who also suffer from heavy and/or painful periods. It can also be used for this purpose even if you do not need contraception. The use of the Mirena® in this situation has dramatically reduced the need for hysterectomy and in one study over 2/3 of women who had a Mirena® inserted whilst on the waiting list for a hysterectomy ended up cancelling their operation.The Copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception
As well as the morning after pill, the copper IUD (but not the Mirena®) can be used as an emergency contraceptive providing it is fitted within 5 days of the unprotected sex. It is more effective at preventing pregnancy than the morning after pill and is then left in place, providing ongoing contraceptive cover.
If you are interested in having an IUD or wish to discuss your contraceptive options please book an appointment to come and see me. I fit IUD’s at both sites but like to see you first to make sure that you have no further questions and so we can run through the process. I will also need to give you a prescription so you can pick up the IUD from a pharmacy.