While familiar with the term, intrauterine devices, many fail to realize the variety that exists among them. Since their use is highly personal and individualistic, familiarity with the differences might help in deciding suitability for women considering intrauterine devices as methods of birth control, for which they are intended.
First, a little basic background is needed on exactly what intrauterine devices, IUDs, are, and what they are not. As the name suggests, they are not a pill to be remembered or a messy application; nor are they forms of condoms, a mainstay of birth control for men. Instead, intended for use by women only, having a uterus is essential. What they are, more specifically, are T-shaped pieces of plastic that are inserted by a doctor into the uterus. The plastic contains one of two materials that prevent pregnancy, hence the different types of intrauterine devices. Moreover, each of these prevents pregnancy in two different ways.
The first type of device releases synthetic progesterone. The progesterone is continually released in a low dosage amount, creating a constant or ongoing state that changes the cervical mucus and also makes the uterus inhospitable to sperm, making them immobile or killing them.
The progesterone also causes changes in the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation of a fertilized egg, should it have occurred. Thus, progesterone released from intrauterine devices is very effective at eliminating the conditions necessary to determine and perpetuate the very earliest stages of new life, conception and implantation.
The same is true of the copper-release IUD. While hormone free, the copper device is equally effective in changing the cervical mucus and the climate inside the uterus, including its lining. Thus, sperm are initially stopped in their attempt at fertilization or if it does occur, the altered uterine lining does not enable the implantation that a pregnancy requires.
As intrauterine devices have a failure rate of less than 1 percent, they are considered very reliable. However, unlike some forms of contraception, they do require medical supervision. A pelvic exam is necessary first, followed by any tests deemed important. Insertion by a physician into the uterus, via the vagina and cervix, assures that it is properly in place. It remains there for several years, depending on the type, the attached string checked monthly to confirm that it is still in place and reliably effective.
There are some differences to note in side effects of the two kinds of intrauterine devices, perhaps making one more preferable than the other for individual users. The copper devices are known to increase cramps and bleeding during menstrual periods, while, predictably, those releasing progesterone may lead to hormonal side effects, such as breast tenderness, headaches, and mood changes, acne, and nausea. On the plus side, the progesterone devices often make the monthly period lighter, also less painful.
However, the conveniences with both kinds of intrauterine devices cannot be overestimated when compared with other forms of birth control. Not only do IUDs allow sexual spontaneity, but the progesterone device lasts up to 5 years, while the life of the copper device is a lengthier 10 years. Except for a follow-up visit after either device is inserted, at two or three months, and regular gynecological check-ups, the wearer does not have to do anything but forget about getting pregnant. Fortunately, when couples experience a reversal of thinking and are ready to welcome a baby, removal of intrauterine devices promptly invites pregnancy, as early, even, as within a month.
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