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Entity shares the facts you need to know about IUDs.

Contrary to a lot of myths out there, the intrauterine device (IUD) is a safe, reversible and effective long-term contraception option that is available for all women, not just mothers. There are currently three brands of IUDs on the market – Mirena (a progestin-releasing IUD), Skyla (basically Mirena’s little sister since it’s smaller for easier implantation) and Paragard (a non-hormonal IUD partially wrapped in copper wire).

Although many women worry about their reproductive health, it’s time to understand this underrated form of birth control. With the following information, you will be able to assess whether or not it’s the best option to send you on your merry menstrual way.

If you’ve grown up hearing from your mother that IUDs aren’t a good idea, think again. According Reproductive Health Technologies Project (RHTP), “During the 1960s to 1980s, a number of studies showed high risks associated with IUD use. However, many of these studies were found to carry numerous biases that led to inflated statistics. Unfortunately, many of the myths perpetuated by these studies are still in circulation.”

We’re not stuck in the ‘80s anymore and the reality of IUDs is totally different than it was back then. Here are some true facts from the RHTP website about this useful little birth control device.

1 IUDs ARE NOT JUST FOR WOMEN WHO ARE FINISHED HAVING CHILDREN.

According to the website, “IUDs are completely reversible, and therefore provide a viable contraception option for those women who believe they may want to have children at some point in the future as well as those who think they have completed their childbearing. There is, however, a greater risk of IUD expulsion in women who have not given birth.

2 IUDs DO NOT INCREASE THE RISK OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID).

RHTP writes, “Current research suggests that after the first month of use, IUDs do not increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The first month carries an increased risk of PID due to the possibility of introducing bacteria into the upper genital tract during insertion. However, Mirena acts to thicken cervical mucus and suppress or reduce endometrial bleeding and may offer some protection against an already low risk of PID.”

3 THE RISK OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) IS NOT INCREASED BY IUDs.

On the RHTP website, it says: “Unfortunately, STIs are a risk of sexual activity, regardless of contraceptive choice. But, contrary to some information, IUD use does not increase the risk of contracting a STI. If, however, a woman has a cervical STI when an IUD is inserted, complications can result and lead to upper genital tract infections, including PID. Patients should talk to their healthcare providers to learn more about the ways they can reduce their risk of contracting STIs, including limiting sexual partners.”

4 IUDs DO NOT INCREASE THE RISK OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY.

Lastly, RHTP says: “Like all contraceptive methods, including tubal ligation, the use of IUDs reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy.”

According to the Family Doctor and RHTP websites, the advantages of using an IUD include the following:

– It prevents pregnancy very effectively and continues to prevent pregnancy until it is removed.
– It can prevent pregnancy for three to 10 years, depending on which IUD you use.
– It is inexpensive and convenient because there is nothing you have to remember to do, such as taking the birth control pill every day.
– It can be removed by your doctor at any time.
– It has a low risk of side effects, thus it can be used safely by a woman who is breastfeeding.
– It can’t be felt by a woman or her sexual partner.
– Mirena provides relief for women who suffer from excessive bleeding; this IUD reduces blood loss caused by uterine fibroids.
– ParaGard may protect against cancer and other illnesses.
– Both Mirena and ParaGard provide viable options for women whose health conditions limit other forms of hormonal contraceptives.

As for the disadvantages of using an IUD, which all forms of birth control have in one way or another, Family Doctor notes that the “side effects of all IUDs may include cramping or pain when the IUD is first inserted and spotting between periods for the first three to six months.” According to the website, some possible IUD side effects include heavier bleeding and stronger period cramps. The IUD doesn’t protect you from any STIs, so be sure to use a condom during sexual intercourse.

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