1-What is it?
2-How does it work?
An IUD pregnancy or "intrauterine device" is a contraceptive device inserted into the uterus. The IUD pregnancy is commonly called "coil" but this term should be replaced because an IUD pregnancy does not cause infertility.
There are two types of IUD pregnancy:
1) Copper IUDs are 3.5 cm long. They are often in the form of the letter "T", and are made of plastic with one or more copper sleeves. Over the copper surface, the greater the IUD pregnancy is effective because it is copper, which is contraception: it makes the inactive sperm. The IUD pregnancy is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. Its installation is very fast (about 2 minutes).
2) The hormonal IUD pregnancy contains a progestin (levonorgestrel) issued in small quantities for five years. This hormone has several effects:
- A contraceptive effect: it thickens the cervical secretions ("input" of the uterus) and impassable makes sperm.
- A therapeutic effect: the hormonal IUD pregnancy reduces the duration and volume of rules and painful contractions that accompany them, some users will also have no rules for 5 years, which is safe for the health or fertility.
How do you insert an IUD pregnancy ?
All IUDs are implemented in a simple consultation or by a general practitioner or a gynecologist or a midwife.
Before installation, it may be useful to perform a hysterometry (is introduced into the uterus dipstick to assess the shape, size and sensitivity of the uterus). In principle, the insertion of an IUD pregnancy is little or no pain. Women who have never been pregnant can take painkiller drugs 2 hours before installation.
The installation itself is very fast. It takes less than a minute.
How effective is an IUD pregnancy?
IUDs are very efficient : they are effective to about 99 %. As handling errors do not exist outside the time of installation , the effectiveness of this method of contraception does not depend on the user .
The hormonal IUD must be inserted preferably during the week following the rules. If it is later inserted into the cycle , use of condoms between the time of your period and two days after the hormonal IUD insertion (to avoid that there is a risk of pregnancy at the time of installation) .
Copper IUDs however, are effective from the date of inclusion . They can put up to 5 days after the theoretical date of ovulation , or the 19th day of the cycle) .
Depending on the model , the IUD can be kept between 4 and 10 years. An annual check is expected to ensure that it is well positioned .
An IUD can be removed at any time , as soon as the woman so wishes, by a doctor or midwife. Simply pull the wire attached to the end of the IUD , and visible at the entrance to the uterus. The wire is cut short by the doctor. There remains a long fragment that does not hinder your partner during sex but allow the doctor or midwife to remove the IUD pregnancy , with tweezers .
Their effectiveness can also be used as emergency contraception .
