How the hormonal intrauterine device works: pros and cons of the IUD according to doctors. Advantages of an intrauterine contraceptive device. Benefits of the intrauterine device

Intrauterine contraceptive devices include spirals inserted into the uterine cavity. Their abbreviated name is IUD. The intrauterine device does not affect the hormonal process and does not interfere with fertilization. It prevents pregnancy from developing, as it prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterine mucosa. Its efficiency is close to 100%. This is one of the most popular methods of contraception in women after 25-30 years of age.

The spiral itself small size. Consists of plastic and copper.

As we said, the spiral consists of plastic and copper. So, copper itself tends to create destructive living conditions for the egg and sperm. Thus, throughout the entire time the spiral is in the uterine cavity, copper is able to exhibit its properties.

In addition to copper, other materials are also used. We will look at them below. If the spiral is made of other materials, then the mechanism of action does not change. They all work to protect against unwanted pregnancy. The spiral protects the uterine cavity from the entry of a fertilized egg due to changes in the structure of the uterus.

The Navy is a wall of entry. active sperm into the uterine cavity. For an organ, the spiral is a foreign body. Thus, this stimulates frequent contractions of the uterine wall, which also leads to the inability of sperm to move intensively.

Indications for use

This type of protection against pregnancy can only be performed in medical institution and only a doctor. Before inserting the IUD, the doctor must examine you and prescribe minimal amount tests to confirm that there are no contraindications.

There are no direct indications for all types of IUDs. A doctor can only recommend that a woman use an intrauterine device to protect against unwanted pregnancy. There is only general recommendations for women.

An intrauterine device can only be inserted into women who have given birth. Less than three months should pass after giving birth. A woman's pelvic organs must be absolutely healthy.

Contraindications for use

First of all, it should be noted that the use intrauterine device Not recommended for girls who have not given birth. The risk of such complications as infertility, although minimal, remains. Although in modern world already in production special type spirals for girls who have not given birth, but they are not successful with us. It is worth noting that the risk of complications remains the same.

What other complications may there be:

neoplasms in the pelvic organs (cysts, tumors);
pregnancy;
sexually transmitted infectious diseases;
inflammatory (including chronic) diseases of the pelvic organs;
fibroma, myoma, deformation of the uterine cavity;
uterine discharge of unknown cause;
cervical erosion.

Types of spirals

The versatility of spirals is that they come in different types. This contributes to the most accurate selection of means of protection for a particular girl. There are 4 types of spirals:

inert (as is commonly called 1st generation),
copper (second generation),
silver (3rd generation),
gold (4th generation).

Anti-pregnancy coils: which one to choose?

Internal spirals

As is commonly believed, this type spirals are the first generation. The very first spirals. They were invented about a century ago. Therefore, today they are considered the most unsafe. They have high risk loss. These include:

plastic Lips loop, which resembles the letter S in shape;
a steel ring with two curls, it is called Mauha;
Dalkon Shield;
Double helix Saf-T-Coil.

Copper spirals

Copper spirals are shaped like the letter T; they also come in the form of an oval. The action of this type of spirals occurs due to the properties of copper. It is copper that creates an acidic environment, which slows down sperm motility. This type of spirals is usually installed for 3-5 years. These include: NovaT, Juno Bio and others.

Silver spirals

Silver spirals, which are considered to be the third generation, also create an acidic environment (as do all metals). They are created as an alternative to copper spirals. Their mechanism of action is absolutely the same. But due to silver, their service life increases. They serve on average 5-7 years. Plus, silver has the ability to disinfect. It has antibacterial property, which undoubtedly has a good effect on the woman’s pelvic organs.

Golden spirals

AND last group spirals are spirals with gold. This type of spirals is the most reliable and quality product contraception. As you know, gold is the best metal for female body, since it has practically no allergic reactions- completely harmonious with the female body. In addition, this type of metal has an anti-inflammatory effect. This material is wear-resistant. The service life of such spirals is 5-10 years.

Spiral shapes

Juno

Their main property is inhibition of sperm motility. There are the following types of such spirals:

Juno Bio-T. Represents a T-shape. It is considered the cheapest means of contraception. It contains copper. This spiral is inserted for 5 years.

Juno Bio-T Super is considered an analogue of Juno Bio-T. It differs only in that this spiral has a propolis-based treatment. This prevents inflammation of the uterine mucosa. Also, its service life is 5 years.
Juno with silver (or you can find such a name as Bio - T Ag). Its trunk is covered with silver. Thus, it enhances the properties of inhibition of sperm motility and relieves inflammatory processes. Has antibacterial properties. Its shelf life is 7 years.
Juno Bio Multi. This is a slightly different type of spiral. It is an F-shape. Its trunk contains copper, and its antennae have teeth at their ends. These IUDs are recommended for women who have had cases of spontaneous loss of the IUD and after abortions. The duration of her service is 5 years.
Juno Bio Multi Ag. Analogue of Juno Bio Multi. The only difference is that it contains two metals - copper and silver.
Ring-shaped spiral Juno BioT. Currently, it is considered the only IUD that can be installed in girls who have not given birth. It is 18 ml in size (there is also 24 ml, but this is for those who have given birth). The period of its use is 5 years. They can be either copper or silver.
Juno Bio T Ag. It has a T-shape and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The duration of her service is 7 years.

If you want to know more about the Juno Bio-T IUD.

Nova T CU Ag

Nova T CU Ag is a T-shaped helix. Has two types of metal. In the middle of the pillar there is silver, at the end there is copper. This makes the coil more efficient. The service life is 5 years.

Multiload

Multiload CU-375. The spiral is in the shape of an oval, which has protrusions in the form of spikes. It is very well fixed in the wall of the uterine cavity. This spiral contains copper. Its duration is 5 years. It is recommended to administer in the first days (or last) menstrual flow. After an induced abortion - no earlier than 6 weeks. In some cases, administration immediately after an abortion is acceptable. After birth also 6 weeks.

Gravigard – Cu-7

The manufacturer of this spiral is the USA. Its shape resembles the number 7, which is wrapped in copper. This spiral is characterized by quick and painless insertion.

May also be suitable nulliparous girls. Gravigard is recommended for women after caesarean section and who had at least 3 births. The validity period of such a spiral is 3 years.

Validity periods

All spirals containing copper - 3-5 years, silver - 5 years, gold - up to 10 years. IUDs containing the hormone - up to 7 years.

Insertion of an intrauterine device

Before this procedure, the doctor prescribes a minimum number of tests. And also, which is one of the main criteria, excludes pregnancy. During what period menstrual cycle The procedure to be performed depends on the type of spiral and its purpose. This procedure painless and therefore does not require anesthesia. It takes place on an outpatient basis.

Before this procedure, complete sexual rest is required 3-5 days. Any vaginal preparations. Unless your doctor prescribed them for you. The procedure itself lasts about 10 minutes.

After insertion of the IUD

Sexual rest for two weeks is recommended. During this same period, it is necessary to limit physical activity. After 10 days, the patient must come for a follow-up appointment with the doctor. After the appointment, the doctor confirms the presence of the IUD in the uterine cavity and gives further recommendations, allows sexual activity.

The doctor prescribes a control ultrasound after the first menstruation. If no pathology is detected, then the woman should come for examinations to the gynecologist at least once every six months.

Complications and side effects

In order to accept correct solution- to use an intrauterine device or not - you need to know not only contraindications and indications, but side effects. These include:

cramps during menstruation,
appearance scanty discharge between menstrual flows,
appearance of odor,
prolongation of menstruation,
a sharp rise in body temperature.

Do not forget about the complications that spirals lead to. Namely:

inflammatory processes,
perforation of the walls of the uterine mucosa,
spontaneous loss,
uterine bleeding,
ectopic pregnancy.

Removing the spiral

Removal of the coil occurs on an outpatient basis. It may be according to indications or after the expiration date of the spiral. An ultrasound is performed before the procedure begins. The procedure is painless and takes no more than 5 minutes.

Pros and cons of using

Let's talk about the advantages:

protection against unwanted pregnancy is 98%,
spirals are very easy to use,
removal of the spiral can be done at any time at the woman’s request,
pregnancy rate after removal of the IUD is 80% within 3-6 months,
if the partner is not aware that the woman has an intrauterine device, then he will not know about it,
no additional precautions are necessary,
does not require daily monitoring,
there are no contraindications for breastfeeding,
At a cost, this type of protection is available to everyone.

a large percentage of the occurrence of the inflammatory process,
the first few cycles may be uncomfortable: pain in the lower abdomen,
ectopic pregnancy,
self-loss,
IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections,
all manipulations are carried out only by a qualified specialist,
control once every six months.

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device made of copper or plastic. It is injected directly into the uterus and protects the woman from unwanted pregnancy.

History of the intrauterine device

The intrauterine device is one of the oldest methods of contraception. The first spirals were used four thousand years ago. Of course, it bore little resemblance to the modern model. But already in 1926, the German doctor Ernst Gräfenber first proposed the use of an intrauterine ring consisting of copper, which would prevent unwanted pregnancy. And in 1960, the American Jack Lipps came up with the so-called “Lips Loop”, it was unique at that time, since he used elastic materials, this made it possible to reduce injury during installation of the spiral. Thanks to his discovery, came into being modern models intrauterine device.

What does a modern IUD look like?

Most often it is made of plastic and has two threads at the end to make it easier to remove. The intrauterine device is T-shaped and is inserted into the uterine cavity. Only a gynecologist can install and remove the spiral. Usually the spiral is placed for several years (one spiral can be worn for up to 10 years). It is best to install the IUD on the 3-4th day of menstruation, when the cervix is slightly dilated and the uterine cavity is less traumatic.

Types of intrauterine devices

copper spirals – they are not released into the uterine cavity a large number of copper, it prevents sperm from entering the fallopian tubes. Also copper changes inner layer uterus and does not allow the attachment of a fertilized egg;
hormone-containing – consist of the hormone progestin. It works in the same way as copper spirals, only their duration is shorter.

Pros of intrauterine devices

easy to install;
can be used for a long time;
no need for daily monitoring;
high efficiency;
after removal of the IUD, occurs fast recovery fertility (the ability to create viable offspring).

Disadvantages of the intrauterine device

does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases;
there is a possibility of the spiral shifting;
should not be used by women who have not given birth;
rupture of the uterine wall may occur;
there is a possibility of intrauterine pregnancy;
painful periods;
menorrhagia ( big loss blood during menstruation).

When you should not use an intrauterine device:

during pregnancy;
for infertility;
for vaginal infections;
for inflammatory diseases;
with bleeding;
with severe anemia;
for genital cancer.

When to see a doctor after insertion of an IUD:

heavy bleeding ( a long period time);
lower abdominal pain;
suspicion of pregnancy;
pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse;
there were signs of infection ( unusual discharge from the vagina, increased body temperature);
the spiral threads became longer or shorter.

Before inserting an intrauterine device, the doctor must:

carefully examine the woman;
to do everything necessary tests;
the doctor probes the uterine cavity;
measures the length and distance between the uterine angles;
does an ultrasound.

This helps reduce the number of possible complications.

What you should know about the intrauterine device

It is better to administer in the first days after menstruation;
It is recommended to use pain-relieving suppositories 1-2 days before;
after insertion, women feel pain in the lower abdomen (pain appears as a result of contraction of the uterus, as it reacts to the insertion of a foreign body);
bloody discharge may appear;
after insertion of the IUD, you should rest for 30-40 minutes;
in the first days after the insertion of the IUD, physical activity is prohibited;
worth going through medical checkup after insertion of the IUD. The first one is after a month, the second one is after 3 months, and then every 6 months.

The effectiveness of the intrauterine device is 98%, it is convenient to use, does not require large expenses and can be used for a long time. This is a convenient method of contraception for women who have already given birth and have one sexual partner, since the IUD only protects against unwanted pregnancy, but not against sexually transmitted diseases.

One of the most popular ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy is the installation of an intrauterine device (IUD). The IUD prevents the penetration of sperm and does not allow the fertilized egg to attach to the walls of the uterus. However, this method of protection against pregnancy has not only its advantages, but also some disadvantages.

Intrauterine device

Benefits of the intrauterine device

The intrauterine device is quite easy to use. It is installed by an experienced gynecologist, and manipulation does not cause any difficulties. Basics contraceptive effect The IUD begins immediately after installation. If married couple decides to conceive a child, then this issue can be addressed immediately after removing the IUD. The IUD is placed for up to five years and does not require constant monitoring. That is, a woman does not need to be constantly on guard, as when taking oral contraceptives.

Before inserting the IUD, the gynecologist must take a smear for flora

Lactation is not a reliable method of protection against new pregnancy, A hormonal contraceptives It is not recommended to take during breastfeeding. Therefore, the intrauterine device in in this case is the most a good option. It protects almost 90–95% from unplanned pregnancy and does not affect the lactation process in any way. In addition, the IUD does not interfere with sex life.

There are many types of intrauterine devices. You can buy a spiral at the pharmacy, the action of which is based on the release of hormones. In addition to its main contraceptive function, it also has medicinal properties. Helps fight endometriosis and some inflammatory processes in the female reproductive system. Due to its hormonal properties, this IUD shortens the duration of the menstrual cycle and makes the discharge less abundant.

Disadvantages of the intrauterine device

It is not recommended to insert an IUD nulliparous women. A woman may experience painful sensations and discomfort in the lower abdomen. For a month after installation of the IUD, you should not visit the sauna or swimming pool. Heavy ones should be avoided physical activity. During this period, the spiral should reliably take its place in the uterine cavity. You cannot install an IUD under the following factors:

Pre-tumor processes are observed in the cells of the cervix;
there are tumors on the genitals;
there was an ectopic pregnancy;
there are blood diseases.

No contraceptive method can guarantee 100% protection.

Content

A woman’s health is one of the greatest values; it should be protected and taken care of. Therefore, when making any decisions about your body, you should always carefully weigh all the positive and negative consequences of your actions. In order to understand how certain factors will affect a woman, you need to find out more information, consult with specialists and monitor the condition of your body.

When choosing a contraceptive method, a woman should also be careful and attentive. First of all, you need to understand that there is only one way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, which gives a 100% guarantee - sterilization. All other methods are more or less reliable, but not ideal.

Positive aspects of the IUD

The reliability of using an intrauterine device is almost 90%, this is enough good degree protection against unwanted pregnancy. Most other methods of contraception provide about the same guarantee. Positive feature its advantage is that it begins to operate immediately after its installation.

The intrauterine device is a T-shaped plastic stick with a metal coating. When it is installed inside a woman's vagina, it prevents sperm from entering the uterine cavity and prevents them from interacting with the egg. This is how the IUD protects against pregnancy.

It is possible to install an IUD in a woman’s body for quite a long time, from 3 to 5 years, however preventive examinations You must see a gynecologist at least once every 6 months. Although you need to visit a doctor regularly even if the woman is not a carrier of an IUD.

Another advantage is the fairly simple reversibility of this method. When a woman decides to become pregnant, the intrauterine device is easily removed, and the effective meeting of the sperm and egg can occur in the first month after that.

If a woman does not want to tell her partner about her contraception, she may not do this, because he will have no way of knowing; the spiral is absolutely impossible to feel. Thus, a woman can make her own decision about protection from unwanted pregnancy.

The installed IUD in a woman’s body is not an obstacle to taking any medications or medicines, and also does not interfere with operations.

An important advantage of the intrauterine device, compared, for example, with oral contraceptives, is that it has no effect on well-being or general state women. And its presence in the body cannot cause the development of any diseases.

Installation of an intrauterine device is a budget option protection, so every woman can afford this method. The highest quality IUDs are those made in India. And their price is also reasonable.

The spiral does not need any additional ways protection, its reliability and protection are enough not to worry about the occurrence of an unplanned pregnancy.

Negative consequences of using an IUD

Among the disadvantages that may arise when installing a spiral, it is worth mentioning possible damage cervix or bleeding. Most often, this can happen if a woman turns to a non-professional doctor. Qualified specialist, who has significant experience working with women, will install the intrauterine device efficiently and reliably.

After installation, aching pain may appear in the lower abdomen; this occurs in women with hypersensitivity uterus, or if the IUD is placed incorrectly. It is imperative to contact a gynecologist and consult about this. In some situations, the spiral can be replaced with another, and sometimes a situation arises when this method of protection will have to be abandoned altogether.

Another not very pleasant moment that accompanies the use of an IUD is the special course of menstruation; these days become longer and may be more abundant than before.

It must be remembered that the intrauterine device does not protect a woman’s body from sexually transmitted diseases. And even vice versa, the presence of an IUD can complicate the situation, the disease will be more severe.

Very rarely, in 5% of cases, the IUD falls out during menstruation. It is necessary to pay attention to this and further consider contraceptive methods to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

One of the most serious disadvantages of the installation is the risk of developing ectopic pregnancy. The spiral prevents sperm from entering the uterus, but nascent life can begin to develop on the walls fallopian tubes. It's pretty dangerous situation which will entail surgical intervention.

To avoid getting pregnant, many young modern women install an intrauterine device for pregnancy, made of metal (copper and silver are most often used) or durable plastic, which is an excellent remedy contraception.

The working principle of this method is as follows:

During the next appointment, the gynecologist attaches the spiral to the uterine cavity.
Then the female body begins to perceive it as a foreign body, and an immunological reaction occurs, as a result of which more acidic environment than it was before, and the level of leukocytes increases.
The increased content of leukocytes in the blood does not allow sperm to survive inside such a female body, and they die.
And if somehow fertilization did occur, then the acidic environment, which from the moment of establishment medical device formed in the uterus, makes it unsuitable for implantation of a fertilized egg, and it ceases to exist.

Sometimes the coil is rejected after it has been installed, but this happens quite rarely and depends more on individual capabilities female body. And so this remedy contraception is long-term and designed to last for several years; after this period, the device is replaced with a new one.

All manipulations, be it the first installation or repeated replacement, are carried out exclusively medical worker using special instruments, and only after the necessary tests have been taken and the presence of any inflammatory process has been excluded.

Advantages of the IUD for pregnancy

The spiral, like any other methods of protection against possible conception, has a number of important advantages, including:

The contraceptive effect begins immediately after attaching the device to the uterine cavity.
This method can be used either young girls, and mature women, age restrictions not here (does not apply to minors).
Highly effective contraceptive properties.
If a woman suddenly wishes to become pregnant, the device can be removed at any time, and this will not affect further conception and pregnancy.
It is not necessary to notify your partner about the presence of an intrauterine device; it does not affect the quality of sexual intercourse.
There is no need to perform additional manipulations, such as when using condoms or taking birth control pills, the effect of the medical T-shaped device is maintained from installation to removal.
There is absolutely no impact on the quality of sexual intercourse for a woman; sensitivity does not disappear anywhere.
The effectiveness of other medications does not decrease, as often happens with oral contraceptives.
Low cost, especially considering that the anti-pregnancy device is installed not for a year or even two, but for at least three.

All these advantages have allowed the intrauterine device to become one of the most popular methods of preventing unwanted conception. And still the number of women who prefer to use this method, is only increasing.

Disadvantages of the IUD for pregnancy

As you noticed, the medical spiral has many advantages, but it also has disadvantages. And among them:

Possible bleeding if improperly attached to the uterine cavity.
Injury to the cervix during installation.
Reduced effectiveness of contraceptive properties due to the inexperience of the gynecologist or physiological structure internal organs women.
An incorrectly selected device can become a source of unpleasant aching pain, which will not pass until foreign body will not be retrieved.
The IUD can further damage the endometrium, so increased menstrual flow is possible.
Given contraceptive may fall out of the uterine cavity (this is especially common in the first year of use).
Possible development of a strong inflammatory effect, which will be excessive increased reaction female body to a foreign body.
In some cases, it is possible to change the duration of the menstrual cycle or completely disrupt it.
There is some risk that the fertilized egg may still survive outside the uterus, and then an ectopic pregnancy cannot be avoided.

Contraindications

In addition, the intrauterine device has a number of contraindications, which also need to be taken into account before using it. For example, it cannot be used:

with inflammation of the reproductive system;
in the presence of malignant tumors;
if you are particularly sensitive to the components of the device;
with infrequent sexual intercourse with one partner or, conversely, with promiscuous relationships with different partners.

In any case, first weigh all the pros and cons of this contraceptive method, decide whether you would like to have a child in the next six months. And only then contact your gynecologist with a request to install an intrauterine device.