Intrauterine Device
Alternate Names : IUD
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small device that is placed within the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Most IUDs are made of plastic and contain either copper or a hormone known as progestin. A healthcare provider inserts the IUD when the woman is having her menstrual period. Copper IUDs can be left in the uterus for up to 10 years before they need replacement.
What is the information for this topic?
There are two ways an IUD prevents pregnancy. First, it creates a hostile environment for the sperm to travel through on the way to fertilize the egg. The IUD also prevents the fertilized egg from attaching to the walls of the uterus. IUDs are 97.4 to 99.2% effective in preventing pregnancy. What are the indications for an IUD? The IUD is thought to be a good choice for a woman who:
cannot use hormonal birth control methods due to side effects
has given birth
has no history of sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, or pelvic infection
has one steady partner
What are contraindications to using an IUD? IUDs should not be used by women who have:
abnormal vaginal bleeding
current cervical, uterine, or tubal infection
a current known pregnancy
history of pelvic inflammatory disease, or widespread infection of the pelvic organs
past history of salpingitis, or inflammation of the fallopian tubes
suspected cancer of the female organs
Another birth control method, other than an IUD, should be used by women who:
anticipate multiple sexual partners
are younger than 25 years of age
bleed so heavily during menstruation that they have anemia, or a low red blood cell count
experience moderate or severe menstrual cramps
have a history of ectopic pregnancy, which means the egg implants outside the uterus
have a history of STDs
have anatomic abnormalities of the uterus
have been diagnosed with abnormal heart valves
have experienced problems with previous IUD use
What are the risks of an IUD? A woman who uses an IUD may experience:
ectopic pregnancy
increased risk of infertility in the future
pelvic inflammatory disease
perforation of the uterus during insertion of the IUD
salpingitis
septic abortion, if the IUD is not removed after a pregnancy is diagnosed
spontaneous ejection of the IUD
unplanned pregnancy
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