Intrauterine device: types, features, indications and contraindications

Motherhood is the most important part of any woman's life, but having a child should be planned. If a woman is not yet thinking about pregnancy, as means of protection it is best to use an intrauterine device.

Types of intrauterine device

A small device that effectively prevents unwanted pregnancies is called an IUD. It is inserted through the vagina into the uterus.

There are several types of IUDs:

• The very first inert IUDs were invented. It happened about a hundred years ago. They are considered the first generation of IUDs and have a rather low degree of effectiveness. Now these IUDs are banned in a number of countries, since very often they are displaced or completely dropped out. An example of such a spiral is Lips's loop, Dalkon's shield, and a number of others.
• T-shaped or semi-oval copper coils are considered second generation IUDs. Copper wire is wound on their core. The acidic environment, which is created in the uterus by the presence of copper, complicates the movement of sperm. These coils can be installed for up to 5 years. The most popular spirals are Nova T, Multiload.
• The third generation of IUDs are spirals with the presence of silver. This metal is used in the rod of the IUD and prolongs its service life. In addition, silver enhances the destructive effect on sperm and at the same time heals the female body. Such IUDs are allowed to be installed for up to 7 years.
• Another representative of the third generation of the contraceptive is an IUD with a gold content. Such IUDs do not cause allergies or rejection by the woman's body, have an anti-inflammatory effect and are very effective in preventing pregnancy. They can be installed for up to 10 years.
• The fourth generation of this remedy is the hormone-containing IUD. They also have the shape of the letter T. In the leg of such a device there is a capsule containing a hormone. It is gradually secreted into the uterus and has a contraceptive effect. Such IUDs are placed for up to 7 years.

When an intrauterine device is inserted

If you decide to install an IUD, then you must understand that this is not a matter of one day. Before the procedure, it is necessary to undergo an examination in order to exclude possible contraindications to the use of this contraceptive. It includes examining a smear from the cervix and vagina, examining blood and urine, examining the cervix using a colposcope, tests for genital infectious diseases, ultrasound, excluding possible pregnancy.

The procedure for installing the IUD is performed by the doctor very quickly and takes no more than 5 minutes. For anesthesia, local anesthesia is usually used - treatment of the cervix with a special gel.

Most often, this manipulation is carried out during menses, in her last days. During this period, the cervix is ​​slightly open and it is easier to insert the device into the uterine cavity. But there are times when the spiral is installed after the end of menstruation. In each case, the decision on the date of the procedure is made by the doctor.

Intrauterine device - contraindications

Usually, an intrauterine device is not recommended as a remedy. contraception young girls and those who have not yet had time to give birth to a child. After using this contraceptive, there is a risk of getting infertility, although the most minimal. In addition, the effect of using an IUD, although very high, does not give a 100% guarantee of protection against pregnancy.

The use of an IUD is contraindicated in such cases:

• The presence of dysplasia or erosion on the cervix.
• Inflammatory disease or genital infection.
• Neoplasms and tumors of various forms of the genital organs.
• Previously diagnosed ectopic pregnancy.
• Birth trauma to the cervix.
• Diseases of the blood.
• Profuse menses.
• Recently suffered abortion.

Pros and cons of an intrauterine device

The most important positive aspect of using an IUD is its long-term effect. After a single procedure, you can forget about the fear of unwanted pregnancy for up to 5 years. And women over 40 years old can wear a spiral with copper content until menopause.

In addition, this type of contraception is recognized as very effective. Reliable protection is provided in 98% of cases. If desired, the spiral can be easily removed at any convenient time. Immediately after its removal, the woman returns to fertility.

The decision to use an IUD can be made by a woman independently and there is no need to coordinate this issue with a partner. No additional manipulations are required before intercourse, which is also very convenient.

After the introduction of the spiral, the woman's well-being does not deteriorate, there is no effect on the health of other organs and their systems. Taking medications does not affect the contraceptive effect in any way.

Another plus is the low cost of the IUD itself and the procedure for its installation. Therefore, this method of contraception can be used with any material wealth.

Even with so many positives, there are drawbacks to using an IUD. So the procedure for inserting an IUD can be somewhat painful. In addition, the spiral does not provide an absolute guarantee against unplanned pregnancy. In this case, the risk is high the development of pregnancy in the tube... Since the cervix remains slightly open after the installation of the spiral, the possibility of the development of inflammatory processes increases. It does not protect against STDs, so it can be installed only if there is a permanent sexual partner in whom there is absolute trust.