IUD

Can any woman use the IUD?
Because the IUD is a foreign body in the uterus, it recommended only for women who are at low risk for sexually transmitted infections that might cause pelvic inflammatory disease-PID. In general, women considering an IUD should be in a monogamous, long-term relationship. Most manufacturers also recommend IUD use for women after they have had at least one child.

How is the IUD put in?
All women wanting an IUD must have a physical examination and be evaluated for IUD use. A second visit will be required to insert the IUD. The IUD is usually inserted during a menstrual period. Insertion takes about five minutes, and a woman may feel some menstrual-like cramps. Eating a light meal and taking 800 mg of ibuprofen about one hour prior to the appointment is recommended. After the IUD has been inserted return to the clinic after your next period to have the IUD checked. It is recommended that a back-up method of birth control be used until that visit.

How is the IUD taken out?
Removal requires an appointment with your clinician. Removal takes less than one minute, and causes very little cramping. Once the IUD is removed the contraceptive effect ends immediately. Never try to remove the IUD yourself, and do not let your partner pull on the IUD strings.

What about side effects?
Side effects do not happen to all women to the same degree. In general, side effects are worse during the first two to three months after the IUD is inserted. Side effects may include:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding patters
  
• Awareness of the IUD strings by the partner
  
• Cramping and spotting between periods

Are there any serious health problems?
Most women use the IUD without any problems, however, serious problems can occur and may include:

• Expulsion of the IUD. This happens when the IUD does not stay in the uterus. It is most likely to happen in the first one or two months after insertion.
  
• Pregnancy may occur either in the uterus or outside the uterus (ectopic)
  
• The IUD or other instruments could puncture the uterus during insertion and a surgical removal of the IUD may be necessary
  
• The reproductive organs may become infected. Infection of the reproductive organs can lead to infertility, require a hysterectomy and in rare cases be fatal.

How do I take care of myself with in IUD?

• Check the IUD string after every period. To find the string, insert your middle finger deep into the vagina, locate the opening to the cervix (it feels like a dimple), and feel for the string.
  
• If you cannot feel the string, if you feel plastic, or if you think the string is longer than before, return to the clinic for an exam. Also, use a back-up method of birth control (such as condoms) until your appointment.

Be aware of IUD Danger Signs which may indicate expulsion, infection pregnancy or perforation:

• Unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina
  
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
  
• Severe cramping and painful intercourse
  
• Fever or chills
  
• You can't feel the IUD string or think it is longer than before
  
• You have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
  
• You have pregnancy symptoms (missed period, breast tenderness, nausea)

Call the clinic right away if you experience any of these signs. If you cannot reach the clinic go to the nearest emergency room.

What if I get pregnant with the IUD in place?
Come to the clinic for an exam if your period is late. The IUD should be removed if you become pregnant. A pregnant woman with an IUD in place may develop a very severe infection of the uterus, tubes, or ovaries. Infection symptoms may begin with mild feelings of tiredness and achiness (like the flu) and worsen quickly.

Which IUD is right for you?
Compare the effectiveness and side effects of the two IUDs, then talk to a counselor or clinician. You will be given the manufacturer's specific information of the brand you choose.

Paragard

MIRENA