IUD 08

Naomie & Julia, Sandy & Stephanie

What does IUD mean?

IUD is the abbreviation for IntraUterine Device, which is an instrument inserted within the uterus. It is a T-shaped plastic device with a string attached to its end.

What are the roles of IUDs?

The role of an IUD is to avoid sperm cells encountering an uvum. The basic IUD doesn't modify either the uterine cycle or the ovarian cycle. The ovulation happens normally, the menstruations are not induced by IUDs. If a woman has irregular cycles, the IUD won't regularize it, unlike the pill.

How does it work?

No one is completely sure about the exact way IUDs prevent pregnancy. Commonly, it is said that it affects sperm movements and prevents its survival in the uterus by making the environment more hostile. It also changes the endometrium lining, which prevents the development of an ovum, if fertilized. It may change the lining of the fallopian tubes, thus preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries.
IUDs prevent pregnancy in 98% of all cases.

What types of IUDs are there?

The two exisiting IUD types are copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs.

Copper IUDs

A copper wire is wrapped around the stem of such devices. Copper particles released by such an IUD influence the uterus and fallopian tubes, making them produce a liquid containing copper, which kills sperm.
The most widely known copper IUD is called Paragard.

Hormonal IUDs

These devices contain progestin, a hormone with effects similar to those of progesterone. It prevents the endometrium from becoming too thick and makes the mucus in the cervix more sticky, so that the sperm cannot get through to the uterus.
The most frequently used hormonal IUD is the levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD, commonly known as Mirena; levonorgestrel is a form of progestin.
Julia 17 janvier 2009 à 11:09 (MET)

Does an IUD protect from STDs (= sexually transmitted diseases)?

No, so condoms are highly recommended even while using an IUD.

How is an IUD inserted and when?

Before inserting an IUD, a woman has to undergo a clinical check, where the position and the size of the uterus are checked, as well as the possible presence of an infection. The insertion itself seldom takes more than 20 minutes. The cervix is cleansed with an antiseptic and held in place by a tenaculum, then the IUD, folded inside a long insertion tube, is introduced into the uterus and slowly released from its container by withdrawing the latter. The IUD thus unfolds into its usual "T" shape. The string of the device protrudes from the cervix, allowing a verification of the IUD's presence, as well as its removal, if needed. An anaesthetic may be used during the operation to relieve possible pain.
Although an IUD can theoretically be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle, it is recommended to install it during the phase of menstrual bleeding in order to be sure the woman is not pregnant. If the IUD is inserted during a different phase, one should take a hormonal contraceptive (for example, the pill) until the next menstruation.
Julia 17 janvier 2009 à 11:09 (MET)

When would a woman use an IUD as a contraceptive method?

IUDs are recommended to women who are in a stable monogamous relationship and want a long-term contraception without much effort. The IUD will be easier accepted by the organism of a parous woman (i.e. a woman who has already given birth). An IUD is frequently used by women who cannot use other means of birth control, for example, if they are allergic to estrogen or if they are breast-feeding.

External links

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