Pregnancy is a long-awaited period for many women. However, there are situations when the birth of a child is delayed for a long time. This may be due to various reasons.
To prevent conception and avoid such an unpleasant and ethically controversial procedure as abortion, many of the fairer sex use various means. Most women refuse to take oral medications, referring to the fact that they are ineffective, and also negatively affect their figure and he alth. Therefore, many of them give their preference to the so-called intrauterine devices.
General information
Intrauterine device is called a contraceptive, which is a small device made of plastic and copper. This device slows down the passage of sperm into the uterus, and also significantly reduces the life of the egg.
It should also be noted that the intrauterine device can prevent the attachment of an already fertilized egg to the uterine wall. Thus, it is a kind of abortive method of contraception.
Spiral type
Speaking of intrauterine devices, it is impossible not to say that in addition toconventional adaptations, there are also hormonal ones. What are they? Hormonal coils are a kind of analogues of conventional intrauterine structures. However, they have a special plastic cylinder that contains a hormone called levonorgestrel.
According to experts, hormonal coils are very reliable. This is due to the fact that in addition to the effect of a "foreign body" in the uterus, they have a direct contraceptive effect, which is similar to birth control pills.
How do they work?
Hormonal coils operate on a simple principle. The levonorgestrel contained in them is released from the device every day and evenly, protecting the woman from unwanted pregnancy. In this case, the hormone itself does not enter the systemic circulation. Therefore, hormonal coils do not cause the side effects of conventional birth control pills (such as nausea, weight gain, etc.).
Structure and features
The hormonal spiral for women is a reliable protection against unwanted conception. Such a device consists of:
- horizontal flexible hangers;
- hormone cylinder;
- threads for extracting the spiral.
It should also be noted that, like conventional spirals, hormonal constructions are installed only by a gynecologist. At the same time, the specialist must immediately warn that such a device can be worn for no more than five years.
Hormonal spirals: types
To dateThere are two types of hormonal birth control:
- Mirena (German made);
- "Levonova" (French production).
What is remarkable about such devices? We will tell you about it right now.
Mirena
What spirals are hormonal? Mirena is the most popular contraceptive intrauterine device. The release rate of its active substance is 20 mcg/day.
Such a system not only releases levonorgestrel, but also has a local gestagenic effect. When using this spiral, morphological changes in the endometrium and thickening of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal are noted. Such effects help prevent the penetration of sperm into the uterus. In addition, some representatives of the weaker sex even suppress ovulation.
The use of "Mirena" does not affect the reproductive function of women. Approximately 80% of people who want to have a baby get pregnant within a year after the implant is removed.
Features of the spiral
Hormonal coil for endometriosis is used very often. Mirena is also successfully used to treat idiopathic menorrhagia, extragenital diseases, as well as conditions that are accompanied by severe hypocoagulation.
In the first months of using this device, the patient may experience spotting. It comes from oppressionendometrial proliferation.
Indications
The Mirena coil is used in the following cases:
- for reliable contraception;
- for idiopathic menorrhagia;
- for the prevention of endometrial hyperplasia during estrogen replacement treatment.
Contraindications
In chronic infections, the presence of serious diseases, malignant neoplasms, the use of the Mirena spiral must be agreed with a specialist.
Other contraindications to the use of this device include the following:
- pregnancy, as well as suspicions of it;
- hypersensitivity to product ingredients;
- diseases with high susceptibility to infections;
- postpartum endometritis;
- deep vein thrombosis of the legs (including the presence in the past);
- malignant neoplasms in the cervix and uterus;
- previously treated breast cancer;
- cervical dysplasia;
- pelvic diseases (inflammatory);
- genitourinary tract infection;
- uterine anomalies (acquired or congenital);
- cervicitis;
- abortion (septic) within last 3 months;
- uterine bleeding of unknown origin;
- acute liver disease, including tumors.
How to use
Currentthe tool is used as follows:
- For contraception for women (of childbearing age), the spiral is installed within a week from the onset of menstruation. At the same time, it can be replaced with a new intrauterine device on any day of the cycle. Also, this device is allowed to be installed immediately after an abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- In order to protect the endometrium during estrogen replacement therapy in patients with amenorrhea, the coil can be inserted at any time. As for women with preserved menstruation, they are installed in the last days of menstrual bleeding.
- After childbirth, the coil is inserted only after the involution of the uterus occurs, but not earlier than 6 weeks. With prolonged subinvolution, postpartum endometritis should be excluded, and the decision to install the construct should be postponed (until the involution is completed). In case of difficult insertion or very severe pain, bleeding before and after the procedure, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound scan to exclude perforation.
Levonova
Intrauterine device "Levonova" contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel. It is a reliable contraceptive. Its active substance has a direct local effect on the endometrium, reducing its implantation function, as well as on the fallopian tubes and the viscosity of the mucus in the cervical canal. Such properties of the device increase the effectiveness and duration of the use of the spiral without suppressing the ovulation process.
This remedy should be administered on the 4-5th day of the menstrual cycle. If an artificialabortion, then the spiral is installed immediately or after the next menstruation. In case of uncomplicated spontaneous childbirth, it is advisable to use a device with hormones no earlier than six weeks later.
Hormonal spiral: contraindications and side effects
The "Levonov" spiral is contraindicated in:
- acute and subacute inflammatory processes of external and internal genital organs;
- pregnancy;
- metrorrhagia of unclear origin;
- malignant tumors of the body and cervix;
- chronic salpingo-oophoritis and endometritis;
- congenital anomalies of the body and cervix;
- erosion;
- History of ectopic pregnancy.
The considered hormonal coil in uterine myoma is also not used. In addition, it is not installed for nulliparous women.
In the first months of use, this product may cause intermenstrual bleeding, nausea, menstrual irregularities, mastalgia, fluid retention, headache and acne.
Special Recommendations
The design of the "Levonova" intrauterine device ensures the release of the hormone at a rate of 20 mcg / day. The term of this device is 5 years. After its removal, the woman's reproductive function is restored quickly and well.
This product should not be used while breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that levonorgestrel is able to penetrate into breast milk. With persistent andprolonged intermenstrual bleeding requires an additional gynecological examination to clarify the diagnosis.
Pills or spiral?
Spiral or hormonal pills - which of these contraceptives to choose? It is rather difficult to answer this question, since each of the presented methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, most patients choose the first option. This is due to the following points:
- reliability and efficiency of the spiral is 99%;
- such a device does not require daily monitoring;
- use of the spiral for a long time (about 5 years);
- after removal of the IUD, fertility is restored very quickly.
As for oral remedies, they are most often not used due to possible weight gain and the development of he alth problems.
