The Pros and Cons of IUD

When it comes to birth control, making the right decision can be difficult to make on your own. One method that has recently increased in usage is the IUD or intrauterine device. It is also known as a LARC or long-acting reversible contraceptive. Once inserted, there is nothing you need to do thus eliminating user error which can cause unplanned pregnancies while using oral contraceptives, rings or patches. They are usually used for 3 to 10 years but can be removed at any time with a near immediate return to fertility.  There are both hormonal IUD which release progesterone and non-hormonal which utilize copper to chose from. 

Hormonal IUDs work by thickening the mucus released by your cervix, which blocks sperm, making it less likely to reach the egg. They may also partially suppress your ovulation, meaning an egg isn’t released from your ovary. Progesterone also thins the lining of the uterus, thereby lightening periods. Many women are concerned that their partners will feel the strings during intercourse but this is rarely the case and they can be trimmed to accommodate patient preference. 

Non-hormonal IUDs make your uterus an inhospitable environment that sperm can’t survive in, which reduces its chance of ever making it to the egg. 

Both of these IUD options are effective forms of birth control and a good choice if you are trying to decide on what birth control is best for you. However, as with all birth control options, the IUD has pros and cons that should be weighed. 

Pros:

• Longevity 

• IUDs are a very long-acting form of birth control. According to the Food and Drug Administration, they are approved to last from three to ten years. Recently, the five year Progesterone IUD was extended to seven years efficacy. 

• Effectiveness

• IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control and are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Minimal effort 

• Getting an IUD does not require a lot of upkeep. The only thing you have to worry about for this form of birth control is your initial appointment of getting it inserted, and then you don’t need to think about it again until it is time to get it removed. Still, many obstetricians will recommend a follow up ultrasound to verify positioning and teach you how to feel for the strings.  Unlike many other forms of birth control, you don’t have to remember to take it daily or to replace it monthly. 

• Period Help

• For some people, getting an IUD can lead to lighter, shorter, or less painful periods.

Cons:

• Pain

• The process of inserting the IUD can be painful. It is recommended to speak with your doctor about this if you are nervous as the pain of the procedure can range from mild to moderate. Most women benefit from taking NSAIDs prior to the appointment. In order to help reduce pain and ensure a better insertion, you will most likely be asked to have it inserted during your menses. 

• Expulsion 

• A small percentage of women will experience extensive cramping and bleeding and expel the IUD usually in the first few weeks after insertion. 

• Side Effects

• As with any birth control, getting an IUD can come with side effects. These can range from irregular bleeds, cramping, acne and headaches. 

• Ectopic Pregnancy

• Even though the chance of this happening is less than 1%, it is important to mention because of how dangerous an ectopic pregnancy can be.

• Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies outside of the uterus. They are usually found in the ovary or fallopian tube and are more common while using the IUD so be on the lookout for pain and irregular bleeding with a positive pregnancy test.

• Doctor Removal

• An IUD not only has to be inserted by a doctor but removed by one as well, which means to stop using the IUD as a form of contraception you’ll have to schedule a doctor's appointment. This is usually accomplished by their gentle traction on the strings in an office setting. 

When choosing a form of birth control, it is important to outweigh the pros and cons with your gynecologist first. The IUD is a very effective and long lasting option and because of that it may be the right choice for you!