What are intrauterine devices?
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that sit inside the uterus. There are two different types of IUDs, copper and hormonal, both of which provide long-acting protection against pregnancy. Both copper and hormonal IUDs are listed in the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List, and the efficacy and safety of these products has been demonstrated in women through large clinical trials. IUDs can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle by a qualified healthcare provider if the provider is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.
Copper IUDs are non hormonal and contain copper. They work by causing a chemical change that damages sperm and egg before they can meet. Depending on the type, or brand, they can last for up to 10 years.
Hormonal IUDs contain a synthetic progestin called levonorgesterel. This device releases a small amount of hormone into the uterus, thickening the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm survival, and thinning the lining of the uterus. The hormonal IUD can be used to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, depending on local approvals.
Both types of IUD are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
What are the benefits of IUDs?
Copper IUDs can be used as an emergency contraceptive method and be inserted up to five days after sexual intercourse. They can also be used by women who cannot use hormonal contraception.
Hormonal IUDs are also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. The hormone, levonorgestrel, acts by controlling the monthly development of the womb (uterus) lining, making it thinner, so that there is less bleeding every month.
Hormonal IUDs are a small, flexible plastic T-shaped system that slowly releases a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel that is often used in birth control pills. Because Hormonal IUDs release levonorgestrel into your uterus, only small amounts of the hormone enter your blood. Hormonal IUDs don’t contain estrogen.
What are the side effects?
Copper IUDs can make menstrual bleeding heavier or prolonged, or more painful, but these side effects are more common in the first 3-6 months and can be easily treated.
Like all medicines, the hormonal IUD can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects of the hormonal IUD include vaginal bacterial infection, acne, nausea or vomiting, and abdominal pain, pelvic pain, weight increase, mood changes, back pain, yeast infection of the other part of the vagina, headache, pain during sex, breast pain, depression, vaginal discharge, anxiety, and menstrual-like cramping.
For the first 3 to 6 months, the hormonal IUD can cause a woman’s period to become irregular and the number of bleeding days may increase. After a woman has used the hormonal IUD for a while, the number of bleeding and spotting days is likely to lessen. For some women, menstrual periods will stop altogether.
It is not uncommon for women to have no bleeding when using the hormonal IUD. This absence of bleeding is not harmful. When the hormonal IUD is removed, a woman’s menstrual periods will likely return to their former pattern.
Misconceptions about IUDs
IUDs do not:
- Increase the risk of miscarriage when a woman becomes pregnant after the IUD is removed
- Cause birth defects
- Cause cancer
- Cause discomfort or pain for the woman or the man during sex
- Increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV
- Get lost in the body. It has strings attached so it can be easily removed when requested
- Cause infertility. There is no delay to fertility when it is removed
-
Cause abortion
