How The Hormonal Iud Works
There are two types of IUDs. The hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy when implanted in the uterus by releasing low levels of progestin, a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone progesterone. The progestin thickens the cervical mucus and thins out the uterine lining, creating a hostile environment where the sperm can’t reach the egg. While experts can’t say with 100 percent certainty exactly which of these actions is responsible for pregnancy prevention at any given time, none of them stops a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Instead, the mechanisms stop an egg from being fertilized in the first place.
And even if a woman were to get pregnant while using the hormonal IUD , the hormonal IUD wouldn’t hurt her pregnancy, which is why hormonal IUDs aren’t used as emergency contraception, according to Bryant. In fact, in this unlikely situation, the progestin in the IUD might actually help the pregnancy, since the body naturally releases the hormone after fertilization.
What Is Good About The Copper Iud
- It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
- Once inserted you will only need to check the string each month.
- It can last up to 10 years.
- You can use it while breastfeeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- The device can be taken out at any time by a doctor or nurse.
- Once removed your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
- It is a choice for those who do not want to use hormonal contraception.
How Soon After Removing A Copper Iud Can You Get Pregnant
The amount of time it takes to get pregnant after stopping birth control may vary. When it comes to copper IUDs, women can try to conceive immediately after getting the IUD removed. Remember that every womans body is different. Some women can get pregnant right away after its removal, while others take longer.
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Getting Pregnant After Removing An Iud
Although getting pregnant with an IUD is rare, it’s easier to conceive after you remove the device.
If you have decided to try to conceive, give your OB-GYN a call to have your IUD removed, and get busy trying. Some doctors recommend waiting three months to give your body time to bounce back to its usual menstrual cycle. This will help you get a sense of ovulation and fertility cycles. But according to Dr. Perez, there’s no medical need to wait: “You can ovulate and get pregnant the next month!”
How Effective Is Paragard
No type of birth control is 100% effective, the only 100% effective method is abstinence . IUDs, such as Paragard, have one of the highest rates of effectiveness, at over 99%.
This is because once it is inserted, it protects from pregnancy 24 hours a day for every day of the year for up to 10 years. Once an IUD is in place, a woman does not have to remember to do anything else to ensure its effectiveness. Paragard will not protect against STDs, only condoms do this to a certain extent.
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Are There Any Side Effects From Using The Copper Iud
- When it is first inserted some users have period type cramping that usually settles after a few days.
- Your vaginal bleeding pattern will change. Spotting can occur in the first 3 months. This nearly always settles with time and your regular bleeding pattern will return. For most users, periods are about 50% heavier.
- Sometimes the IUD can fall out. This is more common in the first 3 months of it being inserted.
When To Call Your Doctor
When using an IUD, be aware of warning signs of a more serious problem related to the IUD.
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
- You have severe vaginal bleeding.
- You are soaking through your usual pads or tampons each hour for 2 or more hours.
- You have vaginal discharge that smells bad. You have a fever and chills.
- You think you might be pregnant.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You cannot find the string of your IUD, or the string is shorter or longer than normal.
- You have any problems with your birth control method.
- You think you may have been exposed to or have a sexually transmitted infection.
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How An Iud Compares To The Pill
The IUD is just as effective as traditional birth control pills. But the pill is only 99% effective if it’s taken at the same time every day. And that can be hard for even the most diligent person to do perfectly, Ruiz says.
Moreover, unlike the pill, the IUD is highly effective regardless of your weight, age, or medication, Ruiz says. Some antibiotic medications can make the pill less effective, and studies have shown that obesity can also the pill’s effectiveness.
Can The Copper Iud Cause Any Serious Health Problems
- In about 1 in 500 users, the doctor or nurse makes a small hole in the wall of the uterus while inserting the IUD. The IUD can move through the hole and sit in the wrong place. You would then need keyhole surgery to have it removed.
- Around 1 in 300 users get an infection when the IUD is first inserted. This is usually successfully treated with antibiotics.
- It is very unlikely you will get pregnant when using copper IUD. If you do get pregnant with a copper IUD, there is a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy. This means that the pregnancy may settle in the fallopian tubes .
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What Warning Signs Should I Know About
Chances are that youll have no problems with your IUD. But it’s still important to pay attention to your body and how you feel after you get your IUD. Here are the warning signs to watch out for. Call your nurse or doctor right away if:
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the length of your IUD string feels shorter or longer than it was
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you can feel the hard plastic bottom of the IUD coming out through your cervix
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you think you might be pregnant
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you have bad cramping, pain, or soreness in your lower belly or stomach
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theres pain or bleeding during sex
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you get unexplained fever, chills, or have trouble breathing
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your vaginal discharge is different than normal
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you have vaginal bleeding that is heavier than usual
If you have unprotected sex with someone who has an STD, see your nurse or doctor for any tests or treatments you may need.
Is The Removal Process Complicated
In most cases, removing or replacing an IUD is pretty straightforwardâthough you cannot do it yourself. When you’re ready to have your IUD changed or removed, your provider will use forceps to pull on the IUD strings gently. When your provider does this, the IUD arms will fold in as it comes out of your uturus.
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Do I Ovulate While Using The Hormonal Iud
Many people who use a hormonal IUD will continue to ovulate. But since the device contains a progestin that disrupts the hormone cycle , there is a possibility the device can impact ovulation, depending on its dosage.
Hormonal IUDs are available with different doses of hormones. The highest dose impacts ovulation more than the lower doses . The effectiveness of an IUD is not impacted by whether or not a user ovulates.
A person using a 52 mg IUD may stop ovulating after the device is implanted. Ovulation can return as the hormonal potency wains .
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In the first year, about 45 percent of people using a 52 mg IUD will ovulate.
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After four years, about 75 percent of people using a 52 mg IUD will ovulate .
Most people using the 19.5 mg IUD continue to ovulate . In studies, people who use this dosage have normal ovarian function . The same is true with the 13.5 mg IUD .
As long as you replace your IUD on time, changes in ovulation will not impact the risk for pregnancy, because the IUD primarily works through the processes we listed above .
What Is An Iud
An IUD is a mistake-proof form of contraceptive. There is no way that you will forget to take it, like a birth control pill. Neither is it very likely that it will break while in use, like a condom. Because of its relative ease and effectiveness, it is one of the most popular birth control methods. However, you might be wondering just how effective are they for preventing pregnancy?
IUD stands for intrauterine device. It is a t-shaped shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. You can either get a copper-covered IUD or a plastic IUD that releases a hormone into the uterus. Copper IUDs work for up to ten years, while plastic IUDs are typically inserted for up to five years.
While they can stay inserted for many years, they can be removed at any time. IUDs do not guard against STDs. Both inserting them and taking them out is done by trained medical practitioners.
IUDs can get expelled or partially expelled sometimes without you even knowing. However, there are strings that any woman can always feel for. These strings will tell you if your IUD is still in place and if it is correctly inserted. If it is not, or you suspect that it has been expelled, immediately seek medical attention.
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You Have A Positive Pregnancy Test
When youâre happy with your IUD, it might be hard to even imagine that you could be pregnant. So if youâre experiencing symptoms, why not take a test to assuage your fears? âIf youâre having spotting, bleeding, breast tenderness, or fatigue, you could very well be pregnant, even with an IUD,â says Dr. Langdon. If it is positive, call your OB/GYN right away to figure out the next steps to ensure your health and safety. âItâs usually removed but sometimes itâs left inside. The complication rate is higher if it is left in the uterus compared to early removal but removal can also cause a miscarriage.â A positive test is definitely one of the biggest signs of pregnancy with an IUD.
Although it can be scary to think of possibly becoming pregnant with an IUD, it shouldnât stop you from opting for that form of birth control if thatâs what you choose. Dr. Farid agrees, stating: The chance of a pregnancy is extremely low with an IUD it is still an excellent form of birth control.â
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When Is An Iud Not A Good Option
An IUD might not be a good option for you if you have:
- a uterus that is not the usual shape
- a current pelvic infection.
The hormonal IUD might not be a good option for you if you have:
- been treated for breast cancer
- severe liver disease.
The copper IUD might not be a good option for you if you have:
- heavy periods
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Pro: Its So Tiny You Cant Feel It
An IUD is a flexible, T-shaped appliance thats only about an inch long. Your OB/GYN specialist inserts the IUD into your uterus, where it remains for 3-12 years, depending on the type of IUD you have. Your doctor removes the IUD whenever youre ready to start a family.
The IUD has two tiny strings that hang through your cervix into your vagina. You check the strings every so often to be sure your IUD remains in position.
What Is The Appointment Like
Although you might be tempted to move your annual check-up if you’re on your period, it’s helpful to be on or recently finished with your period when getting your IUD inserted. It’s recommended to get an IUD inserted within the first 20 days of your cycle . Dr. Krause and Dr. Brayboy say this is based on anecdotal evidence that shows that the insertion could be easier and less painful during this time because the cervix is a bit dilated. As someone who has gotten an IUD inserted both when I was on my period and when not, I can say that the former was much less painful.
Depending on your pain tolerance, it can be helpful to take some pain medication an hour before your appointment. Some, especially those who have had children, might not feel much pain, while it can be pretty painful for others.
When you arrive for the appointment, you’ll likely start by giving a urine sample. “Once that’s negative, then they’ll bring you into the office or the actual examination room, and you’ll be in a gown, usually from the waist down, similar to a pap smear,” says Dr. Brayboy. “You’ll get on the bed. You’ll put your feet in the stirrups, and there’ll be an exam just to make sure they know the orientation of your uterus.” There will likely be two people in the room: a doctor or nurse practitioner to insert the IUD and a medical assistant.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Hormonal Iuds
“IUDs are really a great way to do many things,” says Lynae Brayboy, MD, an OB/GYN and chief medical officer for menstrual tracking app Clue.” Hormonal IUDs can help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, painful cramps, endometriosis, fibroids, and more.
Most people with IUDs won’t feel the impact of hormonal IUD. But, if you do experience any side effects from the hormones, be sure to discuss your options with your health care provider.
Is It Possible To Give Birth Without Removing The Iud
The decision about whether it is possible to remove the intrauterine contraceptive is made by the obstetrician-gynecologist based on the results of the examination and the woman’s well-being. It is important to know that a preserved IUD increases the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester by about 50%. Therefore, if pregnancy is diagnosed at an early stage, it is still better to remove the IUD.
In the second half of pregnancy, there are frequent cases of spontaneous expulsion of the contraceptive, when the fetus, as it grows, displaces it from the uterus. Sometimes the spiral, on the contrary, negatively affects the health of the child, interfering with his full development.
When the pregnancy is intrauterine and the localization of the contraceptive does not interfere with the development of the fetus, the doctor can leave the spiral in the uterine cavity until the very birth. This only applies to metal-containing models. If a woman becomes pregnant with a hormonal intrauterine system, it must be removed as soon as possible, because the components contained in it can cause irreparable harm to the health of the child.
To summarize, pregnancy with an IUD is a special case, the outcome of which is difficult to predict in advance. Therefore, if a woman nevertheless became pregnant with an IUD and decided to keep the child, you must follow all the recommendations of the attending physician and carefully monitor any changes in well-being.
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Con: Your Ob/gyn Specialist Must Insert It
You cant just buy an IUD at the drugstore. You need your OB/GYN specialist to put it in place, although it takes only a few minutes. In that regard, the procedure is similar to a getting a Pap smear.
You may experience some cramping right after insertion. Regular over-the-counter painkillers should be sufficient to offer you relief. If you have continued pain, have your OB/GYN specialist remove the IUD so you can choose another method of birth control.
Risks Of Becoming Pregnant With An Iud
Intrauterine devices small, flexible devices shaped like the letter T that are inserted into a womans uterus by a healthcare providerare one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control available. That said, around one of 100 women with an IUD get pregnant each year, with the highest risk occurring within the first year following the insertion.
While it is rare to become pregnant with an IUD, it does occur, and it is important to learn about the risks and complications associated with an IUD pregnancy.
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Can You Get Pregnant On Skyla
It isn’t common to become pregnant while on Skyla, but it is possible. According to an article written by Parents.com, “The IUD has a 99.7 percent efficacy rate.”
Pregnancy with Skyla can be very dangerous for these reasons:
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy can occur if someone becomes pregnant while on Skyla. Ectopic pregnancies is when the fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. This can lead to severe abdominal cramping, vaginal bleeding, and even internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy needs medical attention and surgery.
Pregnancy in the Uterus
Even if pregnancy occurs in the uterus, you may run the risk of having a miscarriage, early delivery, infections, or other issues.
What Does The Insertion Feel Like
Your provider will insert a speculum, as they do for a pap smear, and then examine the cervix. “We’ll just look to make sure there’s nothing abnormal,” says Dr. Brayboy. “And ideally, you would have had a recent pap smear that didn’t show any evidence of cancer before this is inserted.”
Next, they’ll clean the cervix. “It feels like a scratchy tampon as we clean off the cervix,” says Dr. Brayboy. “That’s just to help decrease the risk of infection.”
Now, it’s time for the insertion. The whole process only lasts a few minutes. There will de dilators on hand if your cervix needs to be dilated. If not, you should just feel three significant cramps. The first cramp happens when they use a tenaculum, an instrument used to pull on the cervix, to straighten out the uterus and make the insertion easier. Dr. Brayboy says it’s helpful if you cough at this part to distract you from the cramp. Next, you’ll feel them measure the uterus to see how long it is to ensure the IUD will fit. Next, they put in the IUD. “The insertion catheter goes in, and basically the IUD is placed, and then the catheter comes out while the IUD remains behind,” says Dr. Brayboy.
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