A continuation of Birth Control Methods and Techniques. This guide will introduce you to the latest birth control methods, while shedding some light on the positive and negative aspects of particular birth control methods
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
An Intrauterine Device differs from all other birth control methods. An IUD is a small T-bar shaped object that is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A tiny string is attached to the bottom portion of the device; the string rests in the upper region of the vaginal. An IUD device does not interfere with intercourse and should be unnoticeable. Uterine lining and fallopian tubes change in response to the IUD’s presence, which impacts sperm and egg movement, preventing fertilization and pregnancy. If you choose to use an IUD as your birth control method, you will be required to visit your doctor for a checkup, and he or she will determine if the device is right for you. And the IUD can be implanted during a simple clinic visit; however, before insertion your doctor may require frequent checkups to prevent infection. Insertion of an IUD takes around fifteen minutes, during which time some women experience cramping. Most doctors prefer to insert the IUD during a woman’s menstrual period, as the cervix is open during this time.
There are two types of IUDs for women and doctors to choose from: the Mirena and ParaGard. The ParaGard is a non-hormonal IUD: It does not release hormones into the body to prevent or control ovulation, but the T-Bar design with copper wire does regulate sperm and egg movement through manipulating the uterus’s shape and structure. Some women are highly allergic to copper wire, so be aware that the ParaGard does use copper wire wrapping (around the T-Bar) as a secondary prevention method. ParaGard’s copper wire has a spermicidal effect that adds additional protection for women. However, the copper wire could negatively impact women who bleed heavily during menstruation. Also, the ParaGard can be used as a form of emergency contraception when implanted within three to five days after unprotected sex, pregnancy, or abortion. Research currently indicates that the ParaGard lasts for twelve years or more; so this birth control method lasts a long time at a 94 percent effectiveness rate—slightly lower than birth control pills, the patch, and hormone injections.
Though the ParaGard device is effective as a birth control method, women must be aware that expulsion rates are significant in the first year, with 5.7 percent of ParaGard devices being expelled in the first year. Women should always check the location of the T-Bar string that should hang in the upper portion of the vagina. Depending on the location of the string, one can tell if the device remains in proper positioning. If no string can be found, the device may have been expelled. If this happens, contact your physician immediately. Women who are prone to pelvic infections (PID) or who have a history of Toxic Shock Syndrome should not use the ParaGard device or any IUD. Be aware that the ParaGard device can intensify menstrual cramps.
The Mirena IUD releases low doses of synthetic progesterone hormone into a woman’s body, which differs from the non-hormonal ParaGard IUD; however, like the ParaGard IUD, the Mirena is T-shaped for a perfect fit inside of the uterus. The low doses of progesterone accomplish two important objectives: First, the progesterone helps prevent pregnancy; and second, the progesterone helps regulate menstrual bleeding better than the ParaGard IUD. The Mirena is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy—a higher effectiveness than the ParaGard and at the same prevention level as most birth control pills. The Mirena is also equipped with a T-Bar string that helps woman check the positioning of the IUD inside of her vagina (also for future removal purposes), and insertion of the device should take five to ten minutes. As with the ParaGard IUD, the Mirena is implanted in a doctor’s office after a thorough exam.
