Contraception Update: Intrauterine Devices
(IUDs)
More than 3 million
unintended pregnancies occur in
the United States every year. Almost half of these
pregnancies are a result of not
using contraception. The majority of unintended
pregnancies result from the incorrect or inconsistent
use of a contraception method.
Steven
Sondheimer MD, Director of Family
Planning and fertility specialist at the University
of
Pennsylvania Health System advises, “Birth
control is
only as successful as you make it. Before using
contraception, you need to know about the method
and the alternatives available. Even a very effective
contraceptive will fail when not used in the correct
manner."
Most contraception methods have a
theoretical
success rate, or “perfect use” rate,
ranging from
91 to 99 percent. However, the actual success
rates
can drop dramatically, depending on the form
of
contraception and human error. For example, male
condoms have a theoretical “perfect use” rate
of
97 percent but an “actual use” rate
of 88 percent.
“A woman needs to evaluate which form
of birth
control suits her needs and lifestyle, and determine
the type of birth control that she can commit
to,” says
Courtney
Schreiber, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist
with Penn Ob/Gyn Care. Dr. Schreiber states, “This
is an
exciting time for women, they have numerous birth
control
options. One excellent option that American women
can
look to is the intrauterine
device (IUD).”
Dr.
Schreiber continues,” IUDs are
the most popular
form of reversible birth control in the world — more
than
85 million women worldwide use the device. However,
in
part to health risks associated with an older
form of IUD,
American women do not decide to use an IUD as
readily
as women in other countries.” Over the
years, scientists
have improved the IUD, making a second generation
of
the devices safer and more appealing.
About the
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Available by prescription only, the intrauterine
device (IUD) is one
of the
most effective reversible methods of birth control.
An
IUD is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device
made of
flexible plastic. A clinician inserts the device
into the
uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Two types are now
available in the United States:
- ParaGard® (Copper
T 380A) contains copper and can
be left in place for 12 years
- Mirena® continuously
releases a small amount of the
hormone progestin, and is effective for five
years
Both IUDs work by affecting the way sperm
move and preventing sperm from joining with
an egg. The
hormone in the Mirena IUD increases effectiveness.
It
thickens cervical mucus, which provides a
barrier that
prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
It also prevents
some women's ovaries from releasing eggs
(ovulation). The Cost
The IUD is the most inexpensive longterm
reversible method of contraception
available. Nationwide, the cost of the
exam, insertion, and follow-up visit varies
so contact your healthcare provider to
determine your cost. IUD services are
priced according to income at some family
planning clinics and are covered by
Medicaid.
Dr. Schreiber concludes, “The
best
thing about using an IUD is that a woman
doesn't have to do anything once it is
in place, no pills to take, no creams or
devices to insert immediately before sex.
It is forgettable birth control and when
using an IUD, a woman is protecting
herself from an unwanted pregnancy while
still being able to enjoy spontaneous
intimacy with her partner.”
Talk to your
health care provider about
the various forms of contraception available
and if an IUD is the right choice for you.
If you have decided to use an IUD,
choose a qualified physician to insert and
eventually to remove the device.
Dr. Sondheimer
states, “Selecting
contraception is as important as any other
healthcare option in life. Take it seriously.
Take advantage of the safe and effective
contraception options available today.”
Quick
Facts about IUDs |
- The IUD is not
noticeable during intercourse.
- Depending
on the IUD chosen, a woman can
be protected from pregnancy for
one to 12 years.
- IUDs are greater
than 99 percent effective as birth
control.
- Some factors, including
your age, your childbirth history,
and your doctor's
experience with IUD insertion,
can reduce its effectiveness.
- An
IUD does not protect against sexually
transmitted infections, including
HIV/AIDS - use a latex or female
condom with the IUD to reduce the
risk
of infection.
- Women who want to become pregnant
may have their IUD removed
at any time.
- Most birth control options
have some type of health risk.
The most serious problems
possible are infection, tubal
pregnancy, and perforation of
the uterine wall.
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