IUD: What I Wish I Knew

With dozens of contraceptive options available to women today, it can seem overwhelming when shopping for a new form of birth control. One of the most effective forms of birth control today is the intrauterine device (IUD). The IUD is a small, T-shaped piece of flexible plastic that is inserted into the uterus. Over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and able to be left inserted from three to ten years at a time, the IUD is a form of long-lasting birth control that allows you the freedom from taking a daily medication. As soon as the IUD is removed, pregnancy becomes possible, and many women choose this form of birth control when seeking a low-maintenance and high-effective rate option. Before deciding on a birth control method, it’s important to seek out the facts and resources available to you. Ready to learn more about the IUD? Allow our ob-gyn Greenville NC team to provide you with everything you need to know about the IUD and whether it’s right for you.

Breaking it Down: Hormonal Vs. Non-hormonal

There are two types of IUDs, hormonal IUDs, and non-hormonal IUDs. Four hormonal IUDs are FDA-approved for use in the United States:

• Skyla
• Kyleena
• Liletta
• Mirena

These hormonal IUDs utilize the artificial hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin works to thicken the mucus on the cervix to prevent sperm from traveling to the eggs. Hormonal IUDs also stop eggs from leaving the ovaries, so there’s no egg for the sperm to possibly fertilize.

The other option available to women seeking IUDs is the non-hormonal IUD. The only FDA-approved non-hormonal IUD is the Paragard, a copper IUD. These IUDs use copper wrapped around the stem to prevent the sperm cells from traveling to the egg. Copper ions significantly decrease the sperm’s ability to move, which makes it nearly impossible for the sperm to travel near the egg. Our ob-gyn Greenville NC office recommends different options depending on your stage in life, including whether or not you’ve previously had children, other medical conditions, period flow, and other elements.

Insertion Can be Painful

It is very common to feel pain or discomfort when your ob-gyn Greenville NC inserts an IUD. This pain can vary from mild pressure to contraction-like pains. Depending on your pain levels, a cervical softener may be prescribed by our ob-gyn Greenville NC office to help combat the discomfort. Our ob-gyn Greenville NC team recommends taking a pain reliever before the appointment to help keep sensitivity at bay and prepare you for the healing process that takes place for the next two to three days after insertion.

Your Menstruation Cycle May Change

One key difference between IUDs is the change in your menstruation cycle. While each woman’s menstruation cycle looks different and is as unique as the woman bearing the cycle, there is a notable percentage of women who experience cyclical changes after inserting an IUD. Our ob-gyn Greenville NC team notes that many women experience a lightened period and symptoms with the hormonal IUD, and women who choose non-hormonal IUDs tend to experience stronger cramps and period flows. Depending on your menstrual situation, one IUD option may be a better fit for your health needs.

Sensitive pH? Think About Your Options

While complications are rare with IUDs, our ob-gyn Greenville NC office reminds patients that complications and adverse reactions are never impossible. There are a few links to certain health conditions that IUDs have been prevalently connected with. Women with IUDs may be at an increased risk for bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in bacteria found in the vagina, often accompanied by vaginal odor and abnormal discharge.

If you are one with a sensitive vaginal and urethral pH balance, please heed the science behind the link between IUDs and an increase in the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTI). IUDs are associated with the congestion of the bladder trigone, which can contribute to the development of UTIs. If you are concerned about these links, please feel free to speak with our ob-gyn Greenville NC offices. Our ob-gyn Greenville NC team is here to support you and provide you with the resources that you need to make an informative, beneficial decision for you.

Magnolia Place | Your Source for Greenville Women’s Care

When searching for an ob-gyn near me, it’s important to find a team of healthcare providers who keep your best interest at the forefront of your relationship with the office. At Magnolia Place, we are dedicated to providing the women of our community with quality, individualized care. With our widened scope of healthcare and wellness services, we can care for our whole community, from the budding of puberty to settling into your golden years. For more information regarding our services or to start a conversation regarding your birth control offices, please visit our website or contact our ob-gyn Greenville NC office today.