Understanding the various methods of birth control is extremely important before you make a decision. The same goes for if you’ve been considering a new variation of birth control.
Selecting the right birth control can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing, as well as the way that you carry out your sex life. We’re going to take a look at the IUD pros and cons today, giving you some insight into whether or not it’s a good choice for you.
IUD Pros and Cons to Consider
IUD stands for “intrauterine device.” It’s a small device that is placed in the uterus and is shaped like a “T.” There are a couple of different forms that it can take.
Namely, IUDs are either copper or operate by releasing hormones. The copper device operates by causing the uterus to produce an inflammatory effect that makes it an area that doesn’t allow sperm to live.
If you get choose this option, it will be effective immediately. There’s no delay in the time that the copper IUD starts working as a means of birth control.
The hormonal option operates by releasing progestin. This is a hormone that causes the production of cervical mucus. An excess of mucus from the hormonal IUD prevents sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.
This method starts working about a week after it’s placed because it takes some time for the hormone to start producing more mucus.
How Effective is The IUD?
The IUD happens to be one of the most effective ways that a woman can protect herself from getting pregnant. The odds of getting pregnant after having unprotected sex are about 1 in 100.
Additionally, IUDs can last for an exceptionally long time without you having to do much about them. A copper IUD can be effective for a maximum of 12 years, while a hormonal IUD can be effective for around 3 years.
It’s important to discuss the state of your IUD with your OBGYN professional and have it examined, but there is generally very little maintenance required.
Potential Side Effects
The side effects of your IUD will depend on the version that you choose.
The copper IUD can lead to irregular and heavier periods for some time. You may experience this change in your period for about 3-6 months, and the side effects should go away after that period.
That said, there shouldn’t be any side effects that lead to your extreme discomfort or uncertainty as to the health of your period. If you do get the copper IUD and find that your body responds poorly, it’s important to talk with your doctor right away.
If you choose the hormonal IUD, you can expect a lessening in the intensity of your period. In many cases, women on the hormonal IUD actually stop having their period while it’s in.
You may experience some unusual spotting at first, but many women report that their period is lightened significantly or absent altogether. This change will take a few months to set in.
If you’re someone who has particularly heavy periods, the hormonal IUD may be effective at lightening your pain and making life a little more enjoyable during your time of the month.
What to Expect with Removal
Removing an IUD can take place at any time and there are no restrictions on when or why you need to do so. You simply need to call and set up an appointment with your OBGYN doctor and they will help you.
It’s important to remember that you can get pregnant immediately after removing the IUD. This is true even if your body still hasn’t returned to its normal cycle.
It will take a few months for your regular period to return, and your uterus will take about the same time to get back to normal. That doesn’t mean, however, that the cervical mucus is still thick enough to serve as effective birth control.
In terms of what to expect from your body after removal, you don’t have to worry about too many side effects. There are generally few side effects, although you should discuss the potential outcomes with your doctor based on your personal history.
Let’s wrap up by taking a look at the specific pros and cons discussed above.
What Are The Pros?
The first pro to consider is that IUDs are extremely effective at protecting a person from getting pregnant. Additionally, they’re generally simple to put in and they can be removed whenever you’re ready.
Another factor is that your period may be lessened significantly with a hormonal IUD. This can be a huge relief to women who struggle with intense pain during their period. There are few risks to most women as well.
What Are The Cons?
IUDs can be a little painful to put in, although the pain goes away shortly. It’s also important to note that IUDs do not protect against STDs. So, while they’re effective at managing unprotected sex with known partners, they’re not an effective method of birth control with new partners who haven’t been tested.
Another downside may be that copper IUDs can intensify your period for a period of time, if not for the entirety of its stay.
In relation to other forms of birth control, the side effects of IUDs aren’t too significant. It’s unlikely that you’ll gain weight after inserting it, your body isn’t likely to reject it, and there aren’t as many mental and emotional impacts of IUDs.
Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, though. While most women may experience the effects listed above, some people might have adverse reactions to IUDs and require another option.
Want to Learn More about Birth Control?
There’s a lot to learn about the IUD pros and cons. It’s important to discuss the decision with a medical professional before you set your sights on any birth control option.
We’re here to help you with the information you need to move forward with your decision. Explore our site for more insight into birth control, its effects, and what to do moving forward.
