The issue of contraception today worries every woman who is sexually active. Modern medicine offers us many means to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
One of them are intrauterine devices (IUDs). Reviews about their use are very contradictory, so we will try to find out what advantages and disadvantages this method has. We will also consider the opinions of experts on their account. We will study the possible difficulties that may arise in the process of using this device.
What is an IUD?
Intrauterine devices are small T-shaped devices made of medical grade plastic that have a contraceptive effect.
Depending on the type, they may have elements of silver or copper. These components protect the uterus from inflammation and infection. Hormonal coils contain the hormone levonorgestrel. The size of modern devices does not exceed25-25mm.
The contraceptive effect is based on the fact that a foreign object prevents sperm from entering the uterus (by shortening the ovulation period) and prevents the egg from attaching to the walls of the female organ.
Only an obstetrician-gynecologist can help you choose a system, install and remove it. It is very difficult to make a choice among the variety of intrauterine devices on your own. Patient reviews indicate that doctors most often recommend devices called Mirena, Nova-T and Yunona.
The reliability of this protection against unwanted pregnancy is about 75%. This indicator is due to the fact that the device may not be suitable for some women due to certain anatomical features.
Despite the proven safety of this method of contraception, intrauterine devices (reviews of which we will consider below) are an intervention in the female body, therefore, of course, they have a number of disadvantages and contraindications.
How the IUD works
The intrauterine system has existed for a long time and during this period has accumulated a lot of positive and negative opinions. Skeptical consumers claim that its use is very harmful to women's he alth. Reviews of doctors about intrauterine devices are more loyal.
From a professional point of view, the benefits and effectiveness of this method of contraception outweigh the risks and undesirable consequences. So how does the spiral work?
The contraceptive effect is achieved through the following processes:
- abortive action;
- aseptic inflammation;
- creating enzyme disorders;
- preventing sperm from entering the uterine cavity;
- by slowing down the ovulatory process.
A foreign body in the uterine cavity provokes an increased secretion of leukocytes. This process prevents the egg from implanting. The property of the helix to change the composition of enzymes makes the onset of fertilization impossible.
If, for some reason, fertilization has nevertheless occurred, then the increased tone of the muscles of the uterine cavity will not allow the egg to attach to its walls. Thus, the pregnancy is terminated at the earliest possible date.
Types of Naval Forces
Doctor advice and IUD reviews vary by device type. There is no universal look that suits absolutely all women. Therefore, your choice must be agreed with the doctor.
Today, spirals are divided into 4 generations:
- inert type devices;
- coils with copper inserts;
- hormonal systems;
- silver and gold plated items.
When choosing a specific type, you should consider in more detail the types of intrauterine device and reviews about each of them.
Inert varieties deserve the maximum number of negative comments. Their users often complain about poor efficiency, bias, and evenprolapse from the uterus. For this reason, they are practically not used today. Moreover, in many countries they are completely prohibited.
Products with copper inserts are the most popular today. Their difference is that the body of the spiral is wrapped with a wire of the corresponding metal.
Copper creates a sufficiently acidic environment in the uterine cavity, due to which the activity of spermatozoa is greatly reduced. The device is easy to install and remove, can be used for 3-5 years.
One of the representatives of this group is the popular intrauterine device "Juno-Bio". Reviews of doctors characterize it as a fairly high-quality product with an acceptable price tag.
In order to extend the life of copper products, silver has been added to devices. The result was a product with increased disinfectant and antibacterial properties. The retarding effect on spermatozoa increased several times. The service life of such varieties is 5-7 years.
Full compatibility with the female body and the absence of allergic reactions today demonstrates the golden intrauterine device. Reviews of its use indicate a good response of the uterus to its installation. Such varieties have an anti-inflammatory effect and do not adversely affect the reproductive system. The service life of such spirals is 10 years.
The hormonal devices include the most popularToday intrauterine device "Mirena". Reviews of doctors characterize this option as the most reliable and safe method of contraception. Her work is based on the uniform release of the hormone in the uterine cavity. In this case, the active substance has an exclusively local effect.
The product inhibits ovulation, relieves inflammation, reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy and is excellent at regulating the menstrual cycle. The term of its use is 5-7 years.
Advantages and disadvantages of the IUD
To determine the appropriateness of using this method of contraception, it is enough to study its positive and negative sides. Based on consumer comments, we will analyze the benefits of the intrauterine device.
Reviews of women speak of such advantages as:
- easy to use;
- acceptable cost of all kinds;
- the ability to install and remove at any time;
- no need to use additional protective equipment;
- possibility of installation during breastfeeding;
- no negative impact on the body;
- quick recovery of reproductive functions after removal of the device;
- fast onset of contraceptive effect after insertion;
- no discomfort or discomfort;
- long service life.
Studies have shown that out of hundreds of women who have a spiral installed, pregnancy occurs in 1-2 patients. This allows us to speak about the high reliability of the method.
Forcompleteness of the picture should be explored and the shortcomings of the systems. Reviews of doctors about the intrauterine device indicate that the vast majority of their patients turned to them with the following complaints:
- periods have become longer and more abundant;
- before and after the onset of "critical days" spotting appears;
- drawing pains occur immediately after the installation of the spiral.
It should be noted that the spiral has contraindications. It can not be used by women with various gynecological diseases. The disadvantage is the fact that the device does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
All types of devices (except hormonal) do not exclude the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy. And the existing female diseases become much more complicated after the installation of the spiral.
Spontaneous prolapse of the device from the uterine cavity is not excluded. However, this is possible only in cases where errors were made during its installation.
Installation of the IUD: who is shown and how it happens
Reviews of the intrauterine device and the advice of doctors suggest that its installation must be approached very responsibly. In fact, this is the same operation, only on a smaller scale.
Intrauterine systems can be installed:
- women without inflammatory diseases;
- Parents who have had an abortion;
- women over 35 (who already have children) who have contraindications to taking oralcontraceptives;
- patients with a minimal risk of infection through the genital tract (who have one regular partner).
Before installing the intrauterine system, it is necessary to cure all existing gynecological diseases and undergo a series of examinations. Most often doctors refer to:
- giving a smear for cytology and microflora;
- intrauterine ultrasound;
- blood test for sexually transmitted diseases;
- smear for bacterial culture of the vagina and cervix.
Before installing the coil, an inspection by a specialist is required. The gynecologist determines the size and position of the uterus, measures the distance between its corners.
The installation of the spiral is carried out on the 3rd-4th day of menstruation. During this period, the cervix is ajar, which simplifies the task assigned to the doctor. In addition, blood significantly reduces the risk of injury to the walls of the uterus and is proof that the patient is not pregnant.
Reviews of intrauterine devices suggest that in the first days after its installation, aching pains and spotting may be observed. This is the norm. So the uterus reacts to a foreign body. After one to two weeks, a woman can return to sexual activity.
If the coil has been installed correctly, neither the woman nor her partner should feel it. A month after installation, a scheduled examination by a gynecologist is carried out. In the future, a specialist should be visited every 6 months.
IUD Removal
Reviews on the intrauterine device and the advice of doctors unanimously suggest that the removal procedure should be approachedno less responsible than the installation.
Since spermatozoa retain the ability to fertilize for 7 days, intimacy should be abandoned a week before the removal of the spiral. Removing the system can trigger premature ovulation, and this will certainly lead to pregnancy.
The removal of the spiral, as well as its installation, is carried out on the 3-4th day of menstruation. In this case, the pain of the procedure will be minimized.
To begin with, the doctor examines the uterus, finds the tendrils of the spiral and injects an antiseptic into the organ cavity. Then the patient is advised to take a slow and deep breath and exhale. The gynecologist then pulls the device out of the uterus.
Women may experience pain for 1-2 days after system removal. They will pass completely soon.
Many are concerned about the question: "How painful is it to remove the spiral?". Judging by the reviews, setting the device causes much more discomfort than removing it. The procedure is performed without the use of analgesics.
Which is the best intrauterine system?
Since several varieties of intrauterine systems can be found in pharmacies today, the difficulties with choosing them are understandable. The obstetrician-gynecologist will be able to answer the question of which intrauterine device is better (reviews about which product are mostly positive). Also, when choosing, you can use the information from our article.
Let's look at the most popular options. These include:
- hormonal system "Mirena";
- all varieties of "Juno" spirals;
- Goldlily spiral.
As mentioned earlier, the most popular hormonal contraceptive type is the Mirena intrauterine device. Reviews about this system characterize it exclusively on the positive side. In addition to its main task, Mirena has a good therapeutic effect.
The hormone levonorgestrel, which is part of the spiral, has a local inhibitory effect, resulting in inhibition of ovulation and reduced sperm activity. Under such conditions, pregnancy is almost impossible.
If you want to eliminate the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, give preference to this particular variety. It will cost you about 7000-10000 rubles. By the way, this is the most expensive kind of spirals.
What is the difference between the intrauterine device "Juno"? Consumer reviews characterize it as a cheaper type of contraceptive. It is represented by several types of devices. Each of them differs in composition and possibility of use.
It should be noted that the Juno systems can be used by nulliparous women. They are made of plastic and copper. More expensive versions use gold. Such spirals are indicated for women with frequent allergic reactions. Their principle of operation is based oncreating an acidic environment that has a detrimental effect on spermatozoa.
The cost of "Juno" spirals depends on the type of metal used. The minimum price tag is 250 rubles, and the maximum is 1000 rubles.
Goldlily spirals are made using gold. This component has a good anti-inflammatory effect. Instructions for its use indicate that the system can be used as emergency contraception. However, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of such measures.
Goldlily systems are reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy and do not cause allergies.
The therapeutic effect of Mirena coils: what is its essence?
Reviews of the Mirena intrauterine device praise it as a powerful drug. What is the essence of such an action?
The contraceptive effect is carried out at the level of the endometrium (the inner layer of the walls of the uterus). The reservoir with the hormone gradually doses the active substance into the organ cavity, due to which its inner layer becomes very thin.
This mechanism of action has a positive effect on the reduction of menstruation, their abundance and pain. Inflammatory diseases do not progress (as with copper-containing systems), but subside.
"Mirena" can be used even with uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Practice shows that when exposed to levonorgestrel, the foci of the disease gradually disappear and the myomatous nodes are significantly reduced. From this it follows that Mirena isgood intrauterine device. Reviews about her confirm this.
Reviews of women and recommendations of doctors about the installation of the IUD
The opinion of gynecologists about intrauterine devices is unequivocal. They believe that this is a fairly effective contraceptive for women who have given birth. The device is easy to install and does not cause discomfort to sexual partners.
However, without exception, doctors recommend undergoing a complete examination before installing it. Otherwise, there may be irreversible consequences!
Women who use IUDs find that buying and installing a device can significantly reduce costs. After all, the purchase of hormonal and barrier contraceptives is much more expensive.
Many people note the appearance of a feeling of freedom and emancipation in bed. The spiral does not need to be monitored daily, and this makes many people very happy.
The positive impact of intrauterine devices is noted by those women who, according to indications, cannot take hormonal contraceptives. While taking the pills, there is often a sharp weight gain. This does not happen with the spiral.
Networkers also talk about cases when pregnancy occurred with a spiral. However, these are isolated cases. Most often, the pregnancy is ectopic.
Don't forget that every woman is different. The same device can be absolutely comfortable for one person and bring discomfort to another.
In conclusion
SummingFinally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that you need to be very careful about your he alth. Reviews of intrauterine devices cannot be the only argument in favor of their installation.
If you decide to use this type of protection, then first of all discuss this issue with your doctor. Examination before installing the spiral will save you a lot of problems. This way you can enjoy the feeling of security in peace.
