The problem of unwanted pregnancy has been relevant at all times. The child must appear with the consent of both parents. And in order to prevent a large number of abortions, many methods of contraception have been created. These are special tablets, and vaginal suppositories, and even a patch. IUD coils are also very common today. What are they? Let's try to figure it out.
What is this?
A small device made of metal or plastic is called a spiral. It is introduced into the uterine cavity in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. For the manufacture of fixtures, silver or copper is most often used. This method of contraception is very popular today. The efficiency reaches 98%. For women who have not yet given birth, it is undesirable to install an IUD (spiral). Reviews note that in this case, the risk of side effects increases significantly.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, a huge number of intrauterine devices have been invented. The highest quality devices were T-shaped, which easily entered the uterine cavity and prevented the development of pregnancy. The device was installed exclusively by a specialistin a medical institution. Before use, the patient is warned about the development of possible complications. This may be a violation of the menstrual cycle, erosion, infectious and inflammatory diseases, bleeding, rejection of the spiral. In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy develops.
You should be prepared for the fact that in the first days after the installation of the IUD helix, you may feel discomfort in the lower abdomen, as well as pain during intercourse. If such symptoms do not go away within a week, you should consult a gynecologist for advice.
Mechanism of action of the intrauterine device
Blocks several complex natural processes of the IUD at once. The intrauterine device, which includes copper, creates a detrimental environment for sperm and eggs. The metal is released into the uterine cavity as long as the coil is inside the body. Progesterone supplements are also popular. The hormone, getting into the blood, blocks ovulation, contributes to the thickening of cervical mucus. The egg does not mature at all, pregnancy does not occur.
The action of the IUD (spiral) is also due to a change in the structure of the walls of the uterus. Even if fertilization occurs, the egg cannot be fixed inside the reproductive organ. As a result, menstrual bleeding occurs with a slight delay. In rare cases, the egg is still fixed, but outside the uterus. Statistics show that most ectopic pregnancies occur in women who use the IUD for contraception.
A foreign body in the uterine cavity in itself gives a contraceptive effect. The walls of the uterus contract more intensively. Due to this, the sperm and egg cannot move normally.
The effectiveness of intrauterine devices is quite high due to the summation of various mechanisms of action. If the device is installed correctly, in 98% of cases it is possible to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Which spiral to use, it is better to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct all the necessary tests and install the device. A significant plus is the long-term effect of contraception. IUD coils can be in the uterine cavity from two to five years, depending on the quality and material of manufacture.
Inert IUDs
The first similarity of the modern Navy appeared in 1960 thanks to the scientist Margulis. Then a spiral device was created, which significantly reduced the risk of complications. All types of IUDs - spirals that are used today have a linear design. Thanks to this, the device is easily inserted through a special plastic tube.
In 1962, the Lipps loop was first made. This device had threads that hung from the uterine cavity into the vagina. Due to this, the foreign body could be easily removed over time. The Lipps loop is rarely used today due to its low efficiency. It is possible to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy only in 70% of cases. But in the second half of the 20thcentury, the device has been widely used in family planning programs around the world. A similar IUD (spiral) has helped many to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy. Side effects developed only in rare cases. The fixture was soft and flexible. Due to this, it was easily removed from the uterine cavity for medical reasons.
In the likeness of the Lipps loop, devices were created that are widely used today. Popular types of IUDs (spirals) will be described below.
Spirals with copper content
These devices are shaped like a Lipps loop. The main difference is the copper content. The metal is constantly released into the uterine cavity, preventing the development of the egg and the normal movement of sperm. Modern IUD coils are made to be flexible and durable. They are easy to install and easy to remove. Gynecologists distinguish models from manufacturers such as Paragard, Copper-T, Multiload, and Nova-T. There are also other coils with copper content, which are made in the form of an umbrella or ring. But such devices are not very effective. In addition, their use significantly increases the risk of side effects.
Intrauterine contraceptives from the company "Multiload" are made in the form of a semi-oval with a small metal antennae. This shape allows the device to better gain a foothold in the uterine cavity. Removing the coil also does not cause major complications. This should only be done by a gynecologist in a medical setting.institutions. The Multiload spiral belongs to the middle price category. You will have to pay about 2,500 rubles for the device.
The product of the manufacturer "Nova-T" is also popular. IUD - a spiral (installation of the device is very simple due to the special shape) - visually similar to a large letter "t". Horizontal branches are made of high quality plastic. Such a device can be in the uterine cavity for a long period. Experts recommend changing it every 4-5 years. You will have to pay about 2,000 rubles for the Nova-T spiral.
You can also use the economical model of domestic production "Juno Bio". Also made in the shape of the letter "t" this IUD (spiral). Reviews of experts show that the device is highly effective for two years of use. In the future, it is desirable to replace it.
Hormone coils
These devices combine the advantages of several types of contraceptives. They not only mechanically block the main processes of fertilization, but also secrete a special hormone that is responsible for the development of the egg. Navy coils are also made in the shape of the letter "t". The leg of the device is filled with progesterone and levonorgestrel. Side effects practically do not develop. Hormones enter the body evenly over several years. Most of these coils can be used for 5-6 years.
The most expensive hormonal coils are manufactured by Mirena. ButThe device is really worth the money. Reviews of experts show that in women who have installed the device, the risk of developing inflammatory processes is significantly reduced. The effectiveness of protection against unwanted pregnancy is 98%. The downside is only an increase in the amount of intermenstrual discharge. The problem is solved by using panty liners. A high-quality Navy - the Mirena spiral - will cost more than 8,000 rubles. You can find it in almost any pharmacy.
Specialists do not recommend that nulliparous women use the IUD (spiral). The installation of such a contraceptive is fraught with infertility. However, medicine does not stand still. A special type of IUD (Multiload coils) containing hormones was invented. This is a spiral that can effectively protect against unwanted pregnancy for up to two years. The device is easy to install and remove in a medical facility.
Intrauterine devices with silver
Silver has a disinfectant and antibacterial effect. It is no coincidence that this metal is widely used in the medical field. IUD (spiral) with silver is the choice of many women. Such a contraceptive will not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also treat the uterine cavity, reduce the risk of erosion. For spermatozoa, silver is toxic. They die on the way to the egg. This increases the effect of the use of the IUD. Most silver coils can be used for about five years.
Silver in a positive wayaffects the uterine cavity. Metal is able to remove inflammatory processes. It is worth remembering only that the IUD (spiral) will not help protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Side effects will seem like a minor problem compared to the infections that you can get if a woman leads a promiscuous sex life. The main purpose of the IUD is to protect against unwanted pregnancy.
Women who have not yet given birth are not fitted with an IUD containing silver. You should prepare for the fact that menstruation after installing a contraceptive will become more painful and prolonged. If the spiral causes discomfort for a long period of time, it is better to remove it. For some women, this contraceptive is not suitable due to the special structure of the uterus.
IUD with silver can be installed on any day of the menstrual cycle when there is no bleeding. After childbirth or abortion, the contraceptive is installed after six weeks.
Spirals with gold content
Any metal will corrode over time. The only exception is gold. This precious metal is fully compatible with the human body and almost never causes allergies. Intrauterine devices with gold content are suitable for women with hypersensitivity. Just like the device with silver, the IUD (spiral) with gold has an anti-inflammatory effect. Significantly reduces the risk of erosion. The big disadvantage is only the cost of the contraceptive. For one device you will have to pay more than 15,000 rubles. The validity period is notexceeds five years. Not every woman will agree to such expenses.
Intrauterine device with gold content has a minimum of risks. The effectiveness of protection against unwanted pregnancy reaches 99%. Such devices, unfortunately, are not installed for women who have not yet given birth. But in the postpartum period, this spiral is ideal. The contraceptive allows a woman to recover faster after pregnancy and promotes the healing of small cracks in the uterine cavity.
Intrauterine device installation
In any pharmacy you can buy an IUD (spiral). A photo of a model of a particular manufacturer can always be studied in the catalog. But in no case should you introduce a contraceptive on your own. This is done by a qualified specialist in a medical institution. Before installation, the gynecologist is obliged to conduct a series of studies and analyzes. This is the only way to determine which type of spiral is suitable for a particular woman. In addition, the specialist must make sure that there are no contraindications.
Intrauterine device is not installed in women who have inflammation of the appendages. Initially, the disease should be cured, and only then select a suitable contraceptive. Contraindications to the use of spirals are also sexually transmitted infections. For nulliparous women, a spiral is installed only in rare cases. Significantly increases the risk of infertility.
In most cases, specialists insert the IUD on the fourth day after the onset of menstrual bleeding. In itwhile the cervix is slightly ajar, and there is practically no copious discharge. In addition, this period is the least suitable for conception. There are still more than 7 days left until the full development of the egg. You can begin to live sexually a few days after installing the device.
Only a trusted specialist should trust the installation of the IUD. The fact that this operation was performed incorrectly may be evidenced by heavy bleeding for several days, as well as severe pain in the lower abdomen. You can not do without an urgent consultation with a doctor. Perhaps the inept actions of the specialist who installed the spiral provoked damage to the uterine wall.
After installing the device, women note that menstruation becomes longer. This is absolutely normal. You should only worry if the bleeding is accompanied by sharp pains.
In 7-10% of cases, there is a prolapse of the spiral from the uterus. This may be due to the special structure of the woman's body. Most often, this situation occurs during menstrual bleeding. This is fraught with an unplanned pregnancy. Often women are not even aware that the spiral has shifted.
IUD Removal
There are several reasons for removing the coil from the uterine cavity. Be sure to carry out the procedure after the expiration date of the device. Also, the spiral is removed if there is a desire to have a baby, a tumor or inflammation of the appendages develops. Displacement of the contraceptive in the uterus is also an indicationto its removal.
Only a specialist in a medical facility can remove the IUD (coil). Removal is a completely painless procedure if the woman is he althy. You should not carry out any manipulations on your own. This can damage the walls of the uterus or cervix. The procedure is carried out in two stages. Initially, the gynecologist examines the woman, assesses the condition of the spiral. If the patient did not turn to a specialist in a timely manner, the spiral may grow together with the walls of the uterus. In this case, it will not be possible to painlessly remove the foreign body. If any complications arise, removal is carried out using hysteroscopy.
When can I remove the spiral? The IUD is most easily removed during menstrual bleeding. If necessary, perform local anesthesia. Hysteroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. If it is not possible to get the spiral through the cervical canal, an operation is performed with the opening of the abdominal cavity.
Summarize
When choosing an intrauterine device as a method of contraception, you should weigh the pros and cons. This option is more suitable for women who have already experienced the joy of motherhood and do not plan to give birth within five years. It is worth remembering that the spiral only protects against pregnancy. But for sexually transmitted diseases, the IUD is not a hindrance.
A woman who has installed an intrauterine device should regularly visit a gynecologist (at least twice a year) and monitor the condition of the genitals. A foreign body located in the uterine cavity can cause appropriate reactions fromurinary system. Inflammatory processes can develop, which are fraught with unpleasant consequences. The most difficult of them is infertility. For this reason, it is highly undesirable for nulliparous women to install a spiral.
After the expiration date has passed, the IUD must be removed from the uterine cavity. The foreign body grows into the endometrium after 6-7 years. In this case, it will not be possible to remove the spiral in the usual way. Do not avoid surgery. Other complications are also possible.
