Contraception is an effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, which every modern inhabitant of our planet should be familiar with. If men and women were more enlightened, paid more attention to this issue, there would be much less unhappy families, single mothers and, of course, abandoned children in our world. Within the framework of this material, I would like to highlight the topics of the use of intrauterine contraceptives. The topic is most relevant for the fair sex. We will thoroughly study intrauterine contraceptives: types, advantages, disadvantages, features of use.
What is this?
So, an intrauterine contraceptive, better known among women as a spiral, is a fairly effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the form of small means of 18-35 mm round, spiral, T-shaped. They are inserted into the uterine cavity, for which they got their name.
Mechanism of action
Intrauterine contraceptives are a foreign substance for the uterus, stimulating excretion and accumulation inits cavities of cells that are detrimental to sperm and eggs. In addition, they start the process of accumulation of substances that reduce the ability of the uterus to contract, which, in turn, prevents the attachment of a fertilized egg to the walls of the cavity. It must be admitted that the so-called spirals are very popular, as they have a long service life with high efficiency. Numerous studies in this area have shown that prolonged use of intrauterine contraceptives also activates wave-like unidirectional contractions of the fallopian tubes. Thus, even a fertilized egg will enter the cavity a little earlier, being incapable of further implantation.
Benefits
For the objectivity of the review, I would like to mention the advantages of intrauterine contraceptives, which not only gynecologists, but also modern women managed to identify:
- High efficiency - using this method of contraception gives 98% success. That is why doctors strongly recommend giving preference to him.
- No effect on lactation is an advantage that breastfeeding women have noted.
- High reaction speed - the spiral becomes "alert" immediately after insertion.
- Duration of effect - depending on the type chosen, the contraceptive can last from 1 to 5 years.
- Reversibility - in order to conceive a child, you just need to remove the coil from the uterine cavity.
- Safety - IUDs do not requirespecial care. A woman can really forget about precautions for the next 5 years.
Flaws
For the objectivity of the review and evaluation, it is necessary to say a few words about the negative aspects of this method. And they really are. In the first 24-48 hours after the introduction of a contraceptive, a woman may complain of pain in the lower abdomen. They are associated with active uterine contractions as a response to a foreign body in the cavity. This type of contraceptive does not protect women from STDs and sexually transmitted infections like, say, condoms.
In the first months after the introduction of the intrauterine device, cycle disturbances, spotting, an increase in the duration of menstruation and its accompanying pain can be observed. These symptoms are temporary, so a woman should not worry if she encounters them.
Well, that's the main drawback - the risk of ectopic pregnancy. It is associated with violations of the wave-like contraction of the fallopian tubes and the movement of the egg through them.
Varieties
Medicine does not stop developing, including in the field of contraception. And all in order to maintain women's he alth. That is why there is nothing strange and surprising in the fact that every day new types of intrauterine contraceptives appear, more effective and less dangerous for women. In order to make the right choice, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
So, today, intrauterine contraceptives are represented by small plastic products of various shapes. They have been in use since 1989. Initially, they were made of plastic, but already in the first few years of use, the World He alth Organization announced their danger to women's he alth of insufficient effectiveness. That is why it was decided to cover the plastic frame with metals. It is he who endows contraceptives with the necessary properties.
Today only copper-containing intrauterine contraceptives are used, as well as products containing other metals, such as high concentrations of silver. Their basis is represented by plastic, which can have different shapes, but as close as possible to the uterine cavity to ensure ease of use and the necessary safety. The addition of metals in this case allows you to multiply the efficiency and reduce the number of side effects.
Medicated IUDs are a rarity these days.
Let's look at the most popular in Russia.
Multiload
Probably the most popular intrauterine contraceptive. Reviews of women speak of its effectiveness and ease of use. This is a tool with flexible shoulders, made of dense and high-quality polyethylene. A copper spiral is wound on its surface, forming a metal shell. The mechanism of action is related to the blockade of the sperm's ability to fertilize the egg.
Copperitself has excellent contraceptive properties, primarily associated with the oxidation of copper atoms and the subsequent dissolution of oxides in the intrauterine environment. It not only increases the effectiveness of the contraceptive, but also makes its rod invisible in the ultraviolet environment, which allows you to fully carry out all the necessary examinations. The spiral is set for 5 years. Flexible side elements provide reliable and high fixation of the contraceptive, in this case the bottom of the uterus becomes the focus. It is important that, despite the peculiarities of insertion and fixation, this method does not lead to stretching of the uterine cavity, does not affect the ability of the uterus to contract.
The introduction of intrauterine contraceptives "Multiload" is carried out once and exclusively by a qualified gynecologist.
Nova T
The active substances of this contraceptive are copper, silver, PE, barium sulfate, iron oxide. Its principle of action is associated with the blockade of sperm activity. The spiral is set for up to 5 years.
It is represented by a polyethylene flexible base formed by vertical and horizontal strips of 32 mm each. Each of them visually repeats the letter T, hence the name. The polyethylene base of the contraceptive is entwined with the same copper wire that gives it the declared properties. The difference lies in the presence of a silver tip fixed on its vertical part. It is responsible for longevityfacilities. A thread with two ends ensures easy and unhindered removal of the spiral from the uterine cavity as soon as necessary. Barium sulfate has been added to the base to enhance radiopacity.
Vector-extra
We have just considered two types of spirals, quite similar in principle of action and form. Now it's time for the next variety. Vector - a uterine contraceptive with a plastic frame F or T-shaped, on which metal spirals are placed. Special flexible hangers provide reliable fixation of the spiral of the uterine cavity. The intrauterine contraceptive "Vector-extra" differs from all existing varieties with a braid, represented by gold or silver wire. These are the purest metals, which, taking into account the intracavitary introduction into the body, is perhaps the main and indisputable advantage.
The frame is additionally processed with propolis or calendula infusion, which minimizes the risk of infection. This advantage has already been appreciated by many modern women. The action of contraceptives is based on a decrease in ovarian activity. Even developed and fertilized eggs cannot take root in the uterine cavity. Many women are concerned about this effect of the spiral, but there is simply no reason for concern: after the removal of the contraceptive, only in rare and exceptional cases, the fair sex has problems conceiving a child.
Recent medical studies have shown that the intrauterine contraceptive "Vector-extra" does notnot only does not harm the female body, but also has a positive effect on it. Silver and gold, with which it is braided, prevent the development of the most common gynecological diseases, including cervical cancer. Calendula and propolis extract is an excellent antibacterial agent aimed at combating pathogenic bacteria and those microorganisms that can cause harm.
Mirena
And here is another tool that will significantly stand out from the rest. Hormonal intrauterine contraceptive "Mirena" is enriched with levonorgestrel, which is secreted in small portions into the uterine cavity. Such a spiral is established for up to 5 years.
This is a highly effective contraceptive that has a therapeutic effect on the female body. It consists of a core filled with a hormonal substance, located inside a T-shaped plastic case. From above, it is covered with a membrane responsible for the regular release of the active substance in the required concentration. Every day, 20 mgk of levonorgestrel is released, but with the approach of 5 years of operation, the dosage is gradually reduced to 10 mgk.
Threads with free ends are fixed on the free end of the body, ensuring unhindered absolutely safe extraction of the spiral when necessary. The active substance of the spiral reduces the sensitivity of the sex receptors to progestogens and estrogens. At the same time, the endometrium becomes less and less sensitive to estradiol, stopsactively share, grow and, as a result, be rejected. As a result, thinning of the endometrial layer occurs. This is the main mechanism of the contraceptive and therapeutic effect of the drug on the female body.
Features of insertion and removal
To begin with, remember a simple but extremely important rule: trust your body only to proven and qualified specialists. Before the introduction of a contraceptive into the uterine cavity, a woman must undergo the following procedures: examination on a gynecological chair, smears from the cervix and vagina, ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Only according to the results of the examination, the specialist can proceed to the procedure.
The introduction of the spiral is performed by a gynecologist under sterile conditions using a special metal rod (uterine probe). The spiral is eventually located in the uterine cavity, and its antennae come out of the cervix and are freely available in the vagina. Thus, at the first need, the contraceptive can be painlessly removed. After the introduction of the spiral, it is necessary to refrain from sexual activity for 14 days.
Removing the contraceptive is done by simply pulling on the antennae emerging from the cervix.
Possible consequences
Menorrhagia in women with intrauterine contraceptives is a topic of concern to many. In simple terms, this is blood loss during menstruation, which exceeds the norm. This is one of the main negative consequences of using spirals. In this case, when the first symptoms are detected, it is necessary to immediatelyremove the contraceptive from the uterine cavity.
Reviews
For the objectivity of the review, it is necessary to share the opinion and assessment of intrauterine contraceptives from those women who managed to test them. All of them confirm high efficiency with relative availability. The only thing is that they strongly recommend resorting to this method of contraception after childbirth, thereby eliminating all the negative consequences. The spiral does not affect the daily and intimate life of women, they do not at all feel its presence in their bodies. Many, having installed an intrauterine contraceptive once, return to this method of contraception again and again. And this is a kind of indicator of quality and efficiency.
In other words, if you have been looking for a reliable and safe method of protection against unwanted pregnancy for a long time, pay special attention to intrauterine contraceptives. Today they are presented in sufficient abundance.
