Intrauterine Device: User-Friendly IUD Use

Added: 02/24/2006

The very thought of an IUD makes me squirm. But there must be something to them, because women have embraced their usage whole-heartedly. It's known that both male and female contraception are being rather popular now. Lots of newer methods are being developed and implemented. Female contraception, however, has a longer history than the male one. To prevent pregnancy quite a simple device was created. It is called Intrauterine device or IUD for short. The article deals with IUD use, also with such peculiarities as IUS placing and IUD advice, which can be given by the doctor.

Intrauterine device is known as a small plastic T-shaped device with a string at its end. It is also called coil device (the colloquial name was bases of the coil-shaped form of the first devices). It should be mentioned that it is the most widely used form of female contraception all over the world. The device is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The method is reversible, so once a woman decides to have kids, she may go through reversal procedure and restore her fertility. IUD use is quite safe and reliable. The procedure of IUD placing may be carried out by a doctor or a qualified practitioner.

Here is a complete description of IUD use. To have IUD inserted you should visit a clinic. Prior check-ups are required to prevent infections: these are breast exam, full medical and pelvic exams. After insertion an IUD immediately takes effect.

The first stage of IUD use is the procedure of insertion. Normally IUD is inserted during menstrual period when the pregnancy is unlikely and the cervix is slightly opened. However, it is possible to insert IUD at any time. Menstrual period is considered the best and the most suitable. The procedure itself takes from five to fifteen minutes. A patient may feel cramping both during and after insertion procedure. Ibuprofen relives cramping.

Awareness is another stage of IUD use. A woman can keep track of her IUD checking its strings. Putting a finger into her vagina she can feel them. Use of speculum, mirror and flashlight enables to check for IUD. Checking IUD is recommended after each period. A shorter string may mean imbedded IUD. Missing strings are the result of expelled IUD. If the string's missing immediately consult the clinic. In case you have any concerns about your IUD call the clinic where you got it.

IUD can be easily removed at any time. It is even a more simple procedure than insertion. A woman may get pregnant if it is removed near ovulation and a woman had recent sexual intercourse.

Sometimes IUD is used for emergency contraception. It can prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse (or an intercourse during which the primary contraception means has failed, e.g. torn condom). Use of IUD in this case gives 99% effect. IUD is even more effective than emergency contraception pills (or morning-after pills as they are also called). IUD may be also used where emergency contraception pills are less appropriate:

- Pills are harmful for those having liver disease

- Pills may take effect only after 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse, while IUD can be used 5 days after

- Pills will take no effect when a woman is suffering from diarrhea and vomiting

IUD is not recommended for all women. The following IUD advice may be given in the clinic: the following women shouldn't use IUD:

- Recent pelvic infection

- Suspected or known pregnancy

- Salpingitis

- Severe cervicitis

- Unexplained vaginal bleeding

- History of Toxic Shock Syndrome

- Physical inability to check IUD

The list also includes a number of allergies and diabetes. Breast feeding women are also not advised to have an IUD inserted.