An intrauterine device, mostly known as an IUD, is a flexible device that protects from unexpected pregnancy when inserted into a woman’s uterus through the vagina. An IUD is one of the most popular methods of birth control among fertile women worldwide. Some statistics claim that approximately 15% of all fertile women in the world choose an intrauterine device to protect from pregnancy. This is an effective, comfortable and long-term method of contraception for fertile women.
An intrauterine device is an old method for birth control. It has proved its efficiency and relevancy throughout many years. These new intrauterine devices have a high safety in usage. They give fewer complications and side effects . High efficiency, comfort and safety have made an intrauterine device one of the most common methods for birth control. Since it can be used for many years, an intrauterine device is a much cheaper method of contraception compared to other available ones.
IUD types
There are two major types of an IUD. An intrauterine device can be a non-hormonal or hormonal type of contraception. The first one is a t-shaped device made out of flexible plastic and holds copper in it. The second type contains hormones, such as levonorgestrel or progesterone, which are constantly released by a device. A copper containing IUD is an older and more popular form than the one containing progestins. Another part of both types of an intrauterine device is two threads hanging down into the vagina. These threads are easy for a woman to feel and check whether an IUD is in the right place.
How to use Intrauterine device?
Women should be aware that an intrauterine device can be inserted only by a gynecologist who also should decide whether this particular method of contraception is relevant in each individual case. Although an IUD is possible for use for any woman who is older than 20 years, there are still some gynecological or obstetrical restrictions that women should be aware of. Women who have multiple sexual partners or an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases are not suitable for the use of an intrauterine device. Also women who have HIV or AIDS are not to use an IUD. Also women who are pregnant or trying to conceive are not suited for an IUD. Other gynecological conditions during which women should choose another method for birth control are abnormal positions of the uterus. The uterus could be too far back or forward in the pelvis or it could be deformed making it impossible for insertion of an intrauterine device. If a woman had certain uterine or vaginal infection she could also be not suitable for the use of an IUD. Since an intrauterine device causes a more immense bleeding during menstrual bleeding it is not recommended to women who have anemia.
Women who had never been pregnant or given birth to a baby have usually a smaller uterus. This makes it difficult to insert an intrauterine device; therefore such women might have to choose another method of birth control. In addition, a smaller uterus might cause a higher risk for the expulsion of an IUD. Therefore gynecologists tend not to recommend intrauterine device for birth control to women who had never been pregnant. However, since it is very individual a woman should ask for medical advice in such case.
IUD - the efficient birth control method
An intrauterine device is efficient in protecting against pregnancy right from the beginning of its insertion into the uterus. Depending on the type of an IUD it can be used for constant contraception for up to twelve years. A copper containing IUD can provide with continuous birth control for twelve years, whilst a hormone releasing device is usually effective for up to five years. Most women are able to use this method of contraception during all of their reproductive years, if there are no gynecological or obstetrical restrictions.
The effectiveness of an intrauterine device is provided with a combination of different actions. Scientists say that an IUD inhibits sperm migration in the female genital tract and alters the movement of an egg. Due to these two mechanisms conception is made impossible, since an egg and sperm cannot meet each other in the upper female genital tract. Both types of IUD use these mechanisms. In addition, a hormone releasing IUD alters cervical mucus thickening it and making it a natural barrier for sperm. Both copper containing and hormone releasing intrauterine devices change the endometrial lining of the uterus in such a way that it is difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.
It is important to know that an intrauterine device does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases, although it is very efficient in birth control. Most doctors do not recommend using an IUD as a method for birth control for women, who have multiple sexual partners. Such women should choose another type of contraception.
i also did bleed for the first 2 months it got put in and then it completely stopped. the other bad thing about it also is that my partner tells me he can feel it poking him sometimes. and that totally kills the mood! anyone else have this problem?
desire87 2008-02-08 10:11:40
so i am 20 years old and have had my iud in for just about a year now. i have had no previous children but i got diagnosed with blood clots which were caused by other birth control pills because i had no idea that i couldnt take any kind of estrogen which therefore made me clot. since the marena doesnt let off any estrogen my gynecologist said this would be best for me. since i have had no children when i got the IUD put in it hurt like crazy! I blacked out and had to get carried out to my vehicle. I was completely cramped for 48 hrs on end. Since i have gotten the iud put in it seems like everytime i turn around i either have a bladder infection, yeast infection, or a urinary tract infection and i still cramp up everyday. I guess the only good part i can say about it is I havent bled in almost a year and im not clotting because of it. thats the only two good things i can say.
sayhello2trouble 2007-04-27 22:44:42
To the guest who is fifteen years old and is getting the IUD. Your doctor shouldn't even be giving it to you. My doctor said that it is strongly recommended that only people in a monogumous relationship should get this because of the serious reprecusions of having sex with multiple people while having the IUD. Not only do you run a higher risk of getting yeast infections you also run a higher risk of getting an STD worse with the IUD than if you had some other kind of birth control. If I were you or your mother for that matter I wouldn't even think about getting it. Reconcider your options and think about getting something else.
sayhello2trouble 2007-04-26 17:00:19
To the guest who has had the mirena for a while and sometimes gets the old symptoms back: I have the same problem too. I asked my doctor if it was normal and they did their usual tests and he said that it was just normal. That was how my body was going to react to having the IUD. If I feel like something is wrong especially with my IUD I go directly to my doctor. Knowledge is power and you can not know too much about something that is in your body that wasn't there to begin with. So if you think that something is wrong or you just don't feel right go to your doctor. Don't wait for something bad to happen. A bill is a small price to pay, literally, for knowing that you are alright or that something is wrong.
Guest 2007-03-16 08:11:09
I got my marina iud shortly after having my second baby in 06' I recently have been feeling depressed,anxious,no patients,angry and just fed up, was thinking that it might of been postpartum but from the sounds of things maybe just the Marina doing it to me. My baby is now 7 1/2 month and I thought it was a little strange to be going threw this now and not earlier. What do you think it sounds like? should i have it removed. I do want one more child but not in the near future. Should I just wait it out? or get it taken out?
Guest 2007-02-16 03:49:10
I have had an IUD for 6 months and for the first three I had some funky cramping that sent me to the docs a whack of times. He sent me for ultrasounds and did blood tests to see if I had an infection.. all came back normal. After a bit it settled down and I no longer have the cramping etc. that I did in the beginning.
It has no effect on my sexdrive (pills KILLED that) and I LOVE not thinking about BC!!
I AM beginning to think about the impact it might have on my fertility though. Doing more research on that aspect of things and am getting quite concerned. As a 33 yer old I am starting to think seriously about kids and to throw complications into that pot is a bit unnerving!
But for an easy BC method that might be a bit uncomfortable at first, I am quite happy with it! Good luck all! Me
Guest 2007-02-07 00:16:48
I'm having my first period since having a copper IUD put in amonth ago. I got my period 5 days early, it began unusually light, but is now extemely heavy, and I've been bleeding for 5 days already. my period began very crampily, but apart from the heavy bleeding, I've not had any other side effects. I already have one child, am a single mum with a new partner, not about to have any more kids for a while..as long as the bleeding doesn't get any heavier, this seems like a perfect, (is there such a thing?!) solution to contraception. Having it put in hurt like a mild contraction, with a few days of spotting afterwards, but nothing too major. Good Luck!!
Guest 2007-01-18 12:25:22
i had a papsmere done 1 week ago and the doctor was meant to remove my marina at the same time. he couldn't find it, he said it has gone up into my uterus. a friend was told that it is impossible to go in to the uterus that it can only fall out, is this correct.
Guest 2007-01-13 19:51:30
I just had my Copper IUD put in yesterday. No problem only menstral cramps during and one second of pain. I just took a deep breath it was over so quick. I actually did a word seach the whole time to keep my mind busy.
I only have mild cramps which they prescribed 800mg Ibubrofen for. My period is only slightly more. GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
Barbara
Guest 2007-01-12 03:31:08
i ahd the marina iud for a yr. and just had it taken out. it was wonderfull i had a lil cramping when it went in but my periods stoped fully two months later. well i was wondering if anyone knows how long it will take to get preg.
Guest 2007-01-12 00:59:04
i had iud marina for over one year and i have no pariod
Guest 2007-01-11 18:18:21
Do I get a Copper IUD or NOT? I am still trying to decide with all the stories. Scared of the pain and I had my son Natural ! Barbara
Guest 2007-01-02 04:44:09
I have had my IUD for about 10 months now and love it...except for my skin. I use to have such clear skin and now I break out and have also started developing red bumps on my face. However, these bumps are not like any acne I have ever experienced before. Has this happened to anyone else? And if so, what did you do about it? I would really appreciate some help.
Guest 2006-12-19 19:23:31
I got the mirena taken out after bleeding for 7 weeks straight! I am going in the 4th of january to have the new method of a tubal done. Its called essure. Non evasive permanent birth control!!!!
Guest 2006-12-19 03:18:57
It's been 12 days since I had the IUD inserted. I chose the IUD because I'm married but not ready for kids and don't want to be on the pill anymore, so Paraguard seemed like a perfect choice. The insertion was painful, and since then I've been crampy. To be honest, I'm not sure how much of my discomfort is psychological - the thought of having something inside me made of copper that can cause complications seems scary, but I need to get through at least one menstrual cycle before I can say if I'm okay with it. The whole point was to choose a safe method, so why am I scared?
Guest 2006-12-15 00:25:48
I just got an iud put in my stomach aches is this normal
Guest 2006-12-03 23:20:03
I got the Marina IUD about 6 weeks ago...and im still bleeding heavily!! I have bad cramps constantly too. I am thinking about getting it taken out and getting my tubes tied. I alreay have 4 children and i think its enuf for me!!! It doesnt help the fact that I have PPD also!!!
Guest 2006-11-28 21:23:56
I've had a I.U.D. for 2 1/2 weeks now and continue to bleed. I also expierience heavy cramping when not otherwise medicated. (Over the counter Advil, Aleave, what have you.) I'm wondering whats going on inside me and why this is happening. Any expert advice out there? Oh and it hurt when I had it put in. I jumped. Does it need to be rearainged?
Guest 2006-11-24 06:29:46
I had the marina Iud for 5 years. I still had monthly periods - VERY light, and rarely any cramps. I had it removed for a few months to try to get pregnant. Situatiion at home changed, so last week I had it put back in again. Ever since then I have been OUT OF CONTROL MOODY and ANXIOUS. I don't know if I was like this five years ago (I had just had a baby then, and could have just chalked it up to postpardum). I do know that I was a much nicer and more patient person before this was inserted - I feel like I'm having PMS 24-7. Which is weird because I had no problems with the one that was removed - it was just time because of how long I have had it. So does the hormones ware down? Or did I just get used to it? I really don't know the answer.
Guest 2006-11-16 15:56:59
I had the iud put in 6 weeks after having my baby and I still have bleeding after the insertion and its been almost two months. I talked to a nurse who said to take advil every 8hrs, will slow the blood down or stop it, it helps a little, but I rather get this thing out and take bc pill.
Guest 2006-10-30 05:44:45
Ive gotton the iud 2 days ago it was very pain full - like wierd abdominal cramps i also bleed and the nurse had to give me pad...im skeptical about infection i had a baby six weeks ago..i still have cramps and all ready wanr it out.
Guest 2006-10-17 02:36:38
I had a Mirena IUD implanted about three years ago and although there was some cramping for the first few months I have had no discomfort since and best of all no periods - yipee!! However on an occassional month the old symptoms appear to be returning, like cramping, swollen and tender breasts, mood swings and a small bleed. Does this mean that the hormones are wearing out? Am I still safe? Should I be renewing this one even though they are supposed to be good for 5 years? Can anyone help?
Guest 2006-10-01 08:33:24
I got the Paragard inserted 4 weeks ago and i have been bleeding heavy since then . there has been maybe 4 days that i did not bleed. Is it ever going to stop?
Guest 2006-09-26 07:55:51
is it possible for u to feel it moving or anything during intercourse?
Guest 2006-09-22 21:57:33
I have the copper one I've had it for over a week already and still bleeding is that normal??
Guest 2006-09-18 17:00:26
I got the Para Guard IUD as a 30th b-day present for myself 4 months ago and I absolutely love it. In the beginning I had heavy periods, but now they are normal. I have not experienced any achne, cramping, dizziness. My husband and I have 2 children and don not plan on having any more. The IUD is the perfect birth control method for us.
Guest 2006-09-12 23:05:15
I got an IUD six weeks after the birth of my daughter, and I love it! (My boyfriend can feel the strings though.) Oh well, it's better than not feeling anything with a condom, right? I spot occasionally, and I have gotten acne since then, but I think it's worth not having to remember pills and such.
Guest 2006-08-17 08:41:03
i have had the marina iud for about 2 years, i have had very very light spotting since it was put in which is great. i have very little cramping to speak of, if any. recently i have noticed increased acne that is kind of on a schedule of about every two weeks that is accompanied by horrible mood swings/depression to the point of wondering if i need medication. i have never been on medication before, which is what led me to search for other experiences. after reading all of your input i now know that these things are a fairly common reaction to the iud
Guest 2006-08-01 10:03:27
i had a mirena fitted on friday and now i have pain on passing water and stamach pains is this normal
Guest 2006-07-10 18:23:11
Hi, I have had my IUD for 9 months. Its the copper one, i still get periods but no worse than b4, i have had two kids and its lush not having to think about getting pregnant for up to 10 years
Guest 2006-06-23 23:09:20
I had an IUD fitted a week ago and still got bad cramps-how lomg does this last?
Guest 2006-06-16 08:19:22
The diffrence between the paraguard and the mirena is that the mirena releases hormones and the paraguard releases copper.With the mirena you get light to no periods at all as with the paraguard you get very heavy periods.
Guest 2006-06-16 08:14:37
I am a 26 year old woman and have had the iud since the year 2002,ever since have had pale skin,dizzyness very,very heavy periods which led to me being anemic.I have to remove it ASAP!!!!!!!!
Guest 2006-06-07 02:51:49
i am considering having a IUD, but i'm scare it is going to be painful and the heavy period - does anyone know the difference between the copper and the mariner.
Guest 2006-05-31 18:44:11
i got the iud a couple of days ago.i tried checking for it this morning but didnt feel anything.am i supposed to feel the strings before feeling my bone or is it still higher.
Guest 2006-05-25 21:09:15
I have had my IUD for two years and have not had a period. It was a little uncomfortable when placed, I had some cramping for the next few hours, but other then that I didn't have a problem.
Guest 2006-05-21 08:16:05
I am a 26 year old woman and have had the paraguard since the year 2003 ,and ever since have had very heavy periods which lead to me having anemia,dizzyness and pale skin ,I am thinking of removing it a.s.a.p.
Guest 2006-02-27 15:55:04
I had an iud put in 10 weeks after my child was born, and it picked up strep bacteria that must have been in my vagina. It took the strep into my bloodstream and I ended up with a very serious blood infection that led to a bowel obstruction. Please talk to your doctor if you are postpartum, or otherwise, because I was not aware that this was a very real risk!
Guest 2006-01-22 07:52:17
I love my IUD. I'm not as lucky as you girls who no longer have periods. Mine is the copper Para Guard, but I no longer have headaches, facial puffines, high blood pressure, or hormone related weight gain. Its also good for ten years. I love that, I call it my semi-permanent BC.
Guest 2006-01-20 22:02:22
my mom is the greatest mom ever,we're so much a like she told me about IUD's and i'm totaly down with not dealing with a stupid sticker or remebering a pill, and there is no why i could ever get past being sqweemish of a vaginal cap or anything involving spermiside, but i cant figure out where to go to get one I'm 20 and i've been the the "ladies dr" once but i moved to a diferent state, how do i got about getting and IUD please e-mail me if you can help
thank you
Guest 2006-01-20 21:32:44
Thinking about an IUD... Just had my first child, still want a second. But am prone to uti's and yeast infections. Was also strep B positive for my first childbirth. Is the risk of bacteria and infection worse when an IUD is inserted? Wondering if I should just stay on the pill??
Guest 2006-01-20 19:31:30
I absolutely love the IUD. I hardly ever have a period and have not had any side effects.
Guest 2006-01-20 07:00:51
i am 15 years old and i am getting the iud i an scared
Guest 2006-01-14 18:01:21
I am thinking about getting and IUD because it just seems like it is less of a hassle to deal with. I am skeptical because I am scared of getting infection. I have been on the pill for about 7 years and i want something that is effective as the pill, but less of a hassle to deal with.
Guest 2006-01-08 22:17:08
i have my coil for 1 and a half years was only bleeding for 2 weeks but now i dont have any periods at all i used to bleed for 2 whole weeks and stop for only 2 days and then back on i think it is brill and i have no side affects not all i hope other people are as lucky as me
Guest 2006-01-06 04:45:02
I AM THINING VERY STRONGLY ABOUT GETTING THE IUD,BUT I AM KIND OF AFRAID COULD SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME SOMETHING POSITIVE TO THINK ABOUT IT.null
Guest 2006-01-05 04:15:42
I had an iud put in on friday, and im just wondering how long should i bleed not including periods?? my mom had one and she said she had it in for months and bled every single day!! it would still be worth it but i'd like to know if that's normal or not.
Guest 2006-01-05 02:39:00
I am thinking of getting an IUD I have been on the pill for years and years. Never had children. I am not sure if the pain will be worth it or the complications. I am suseptible to bladder and bacterial infections for some reason. Any advice for me? I am 26. The pill has made me feel crazy for long enough and has caused me to have to go on antidepressants.
Guest 2006-01-05 01:51:05
Don't be scared. It is a little uncomfortable, like cramps.
Guest 2006-01-04 18:40:28
I dont know which is the one for me Help!
Guest 2006-01-04 18:39:05
Im supose to be getting an iud today should I be scared?
Guest 2006-01-04 04:11:09
which type of iud did you have angie
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Birth control methods 
An intrauterine device, mostly known as an IUD, is a flexible device that protects from unexpected pregnancy when inserted into a woman’s uterus through the vagina. An IUD is one of the most popular methods of birth control among fertile women worldwide. Some statistics claim that approximately 15% of all fertile women in the world choose an intrauterine device to protect from pregnancy. This is an effective, comfortable and long-term method of contraception for fertile women.
Women should be aware that an 
