Pros and cons of an intrauterine device for pregnancy. On what day is the IUD placed, before or after menstruation? What day is the spiral placed on?

The intrauterine device, or IUD for short, is one of the most popular means contraception in our country. It is highly effective and at the same time convenient to use.

But using this device is not so simple. Therefore, before choosing an IUD for yourself, you need to learn everything about their action, types and features of use.

How does the spiral work?

The high efficiency of intrauterine devices is due to the fact that they act in several directions at once:

Copper, which is part of most coils, has a spermotoxic effect. It partially destroys sperm entering the uterus and reduces the likelihood of fertilization of the egg.
The presence of a foreign body in the uterus leads to non-infectious inflammation and disruption of metabolic processes. Therefore, it is much more difficult to attach to the wall of a fertilized cell. She just comes out and pregnancy does not occur.
In response to the presence of the helix in the body, the woman’s body produces prostaglandins, which increase the contractility of the uterine walls, which also reduces the likelihood of implantation.

The effectiveness of intrauterine hormonal systems is even higher. They prevent pregnancy not only due to physical effects, but also release the hormone levonogestrel into the blood, which causes atrophy of endometrial cells and impoverishment of menstruation. In this case, the woman’s hormonal background is practically not disturbed, and ovulation does not stop.

How and when can an IUD be inserted?

Installation of an IUD is permitted only in conditions medical institution. This can be done when it is convenient for the woman, but the easiest way to do this is on days 4-8 of the cycle from the first day of menstruation. At this time, the cervix is slightly open, so it will be easier to insert the IUD. After giving birth, it is recommended to wait 2-3 months before installing the IUD. And after an abortion, it is allowed to install an IUD immediately after manipulation. After caesarean section the spiral is installed after six months.

Before proceeding with the installation of the IUD, the doctor must make sure that there is no pregnancy and determine the size of the uterus (this can be done using an ultrasound). Then they make a smear on the microflora and determine the degree of cleanliness of the vagina. If the tests are unsatisfactory, the gynecologist will recommend treatment or advise another method of contraception.

The procedure itself is performed without anesthesia and does not cause severe pain. The doctor simply inserts the spiral into the uterine cavity using a special device. Then he checks its position and shortens the antennae protruding from the cervix to 1-2 cm. Using them, the woman will be able to control the position of the IUD herself.

Immediately after installation of the IUD, you may experience some pain in your lower abdomen. Slight spotting is also possible. The first 1-2 months after the manipulation, menstruation is profuse and quite painful. During this period, there is a high risk of spontaneous expulsion of the IUD.

Immediately after installation of the IUD, a woman is contraindicated for a week:

intense loads;
hot baths;
sex life;
treatment with laxatives.

On days 7-10, the doctor conducts an examination. If everything is normal, then the next time you should come to the gynecologist in 1-3 months. But after each menstruation, a woman should carry out self-control, checking with her hand the length and presence of threads (antennae).

Removal of the IUD

The IUD is removed at the request of the patient, if complications develop or after its use expires. Before removal, an ultrasound is usually performed to clarify the position of the spiral. Then cervical canal dilate using a hysteroscope and remove the IUD, carefully pulling it out by the antennae. If the spiral was removed due to the expiration of its use, the next one can be installed immediately.

Pros and cons of intrauterine devices

The IUD has many advantages over other means of contraception. The main ones:

High efficiency. Only modern high-quality hormonal oral contraceptives are more reliable. When using a simple copper-containing IUD, pregnancy occurs in 1-2 women out of a hundred within a year; hormonal system- 2-5 out of a thousand.
Affordable price. Considering the duration of use of one IUD, it is much cheaper than any other means of contraception.
Ease of use. There is no need to take pills or perform any other rituals. You can just relax and forget about the need to protect yourself.
IUDs without hormones are allowed during lactation.
After removal of the IUD, you can become pregnant almost immediately and it does not affect fertility in any way.
The spiral does not affect the quality of sexual life and is invisible to both partners.

Despite great amount Despite their undeniable advantages, intrauterine devices have many opponents. The fact is that the IUD also has quite serious disadvantages:

Using an IUD increases the risk of developing inflammatory diseases. The fact is that when using this contraceptive, the cervix always remains slightly open, which makes it easier for harmful bacteria to gain access. That is why the spiral is not recommended for women with low vaginal cleanliness and cervititis.
The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and due to the nature of its use, it even increases the risk of infection.
Installation or removal of the spiral is carried out only in a medical facility and is not possible at home.
Sometimes their use causes side effects.

Side effects when using a non-hormonal IUD are rare. They occur in approximately 5 women out of a hundred. Even if the IUD is installed correctly, due to the characteristics of the body, some women feel:

Increased pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation;
Increased and abundant discharge;
The appearance of spotting in the middle of the cycle, around the time of ovulation.

In most cases, these symptoms are not dangerous. But, if the bleeding is too severe and causes anemia or the pain is unbearable, it is better to remove the IUD.

Using hormonal IUDs periods become irregular or disappear altogether.

Types of intrauterine devices. Which one to choose?

Today, doctors identify approximately 50 types of spirals. They are conventionally divided into 4 generations according to their composition:

Made from inert materials. These are the first IUDs, which were invented about a hundred years ago. Today they are not used due to low efficiency.
Contains copper. An effective and inexpensive spiral is the most popular today.
With noble metals. It is positioned as more useful and safer than copper, but there is no significant evidence of this.
Hormonal. Releases hormones into the uterine cavity.

The spirals also differ in shape. They come in the form of an umbrella, loop, ring or spiral, and the most popular - in the form of the letter T.

The most popular on the Navy today:

Juno Bio. These are Belarusian Navy, which are characterized by their low cost and decent quality. Because of this they are very popular. Eat different types- with copper and silver.
Multiload. The Dutch spiral has a unique semi-oval shape with special protrusions that prevent the IUD from falling out. Contains copper.
Nova T Cu. A classic T-shaped copper spiral, but with the addition of silver.
T-Copper Cu 380 A. A good German IUD with copper and a long service life, up to 6 years.
T de Oro 375 Gold. Spanish spiral with gold composition. Can be T-shaped, horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped. Reduces risk uterine inflammation, but its cost may seem too high.
Mirena. This is a T-shaped hormonal system containing levonogestrel. It is usually recommended as a medicine for uterine fibroids and endometriosis. But it can provoke the formation of follicular cells.

Most gynecologists agree that the effectiveness and safety of copper-containing spirals and more expensive ones with gold and silver are practically the same. Therefore, you can choose any one. As for hormonal systems, they are more often used as a medicine that inhibits the growth of fibroids rather than as a contraceptive. This is due to a large number side effects when used.

Reliability of protection is 88-99%, depending on the type of spiral. The gynecologist selects individually for each patient the type of contraceptive that is suitable for her, basing his choice on the results of the examination.

Advantages and disadvantages

In use intrauterine device for women there are positive and negative points and, of course, the patient should be aware of them.

TO positive aspects These contraceptives include:

their effectiveness and sufficient reliability;
do not require preparation for sexual intercourse and do not cause inconvenience during it;
almost complete absence complications and side effects, unlike hormonal contraceptives, taken in other forms;
liberation from the complexes that a woman experiences in fear of becoming pregnant;
When using a spiral, a woman’s body does not lose active substances which is received along with sperm;
long-term use of the intrauterine device - it is set for a period of three to ten years;
the possibility of using the method during breastfeeding, while the use hormonal drugs extremely undesirable, in order to avoid harm to the child’s health;
the intrauterine contraceptive does not affect future pregnancies in any way, and if she wants to conceive a child, the gynecologist removes the device from the woman;
the intrauterine device is the most cost-effective method of contraception;
When the IUD is installed, it is not prohibited to take other medications.

No matter how convenient such a contraceptive is, there may also be cases that are unpleasant for a woman’s health. TO negative qualities spirals can be classified as:

there is a possibility that the IUD will fall out unnoticed by the woman - this can happen due to its incorrectly selected type or size;
the possibility of contracting infectious diseases through accidental unprotected sexual intercourse cannot be ruled out, since the IUD leaves the uterine cavity slightly open;
Possible heavy, painful menstruation;
there is no certainty that when installing the spiral the uterus will not be damaged or bleeding will occur. It all depends on the qualifications of the doctor performing this procedure.

To minimize the likelihood negative consequences using this method contraception, certain conditions must be met:

the IUD must be administered in a clinical setting and by an experienced, qualified gynecologist;
it is necessary to avoid unprotected sexual contacts with casual partners;
Be sure to visit a specialist doctor at the end of the first menstruation after inserting the IUD. Next, follow the visit schedule - once every six months.

Operating principle

The action of the spirals is aimed at preventing fertilization of the egg. Acting as a kind of foreign body, the contraceptive accelerates several times the passage of a fertilized egg through the fallopian tubes into the uterus, without achieving its full maturation. In addition, the spiral does not allow the embryo, even in the case of fertilization, to be implanted into the uterine mucosa.

Inclusion of individual materials into the spiral composition or hormonal drugs, in addition, significantly weakens the activity of sperm, creates a mucous plug in the cervix, preventing their penetration inside.

The spiral can stimulate the occurrence of artificial aseptic inflammation of the endometrium, which is not dangerous to the woman’s health, but disrupts the process of ovulation and fertilization.

To understand what kind of spirals there are for women, you need to consider the types and their differences.

There are currently about fifty various types of this contraceptive, which have different shapes, are made of different materials, each operate according to its own principle, and differ in size.

The most common coils in use today are S-shaped, ring-shaped, or T-shaped. They can be made of polyethylene or nylon with the addition of copper, silver or gold plate or wire.

Intrauterine devices can also be divided according to the following criteria:

The first generation spirals are non-medicinal, polymer, and do not contain any inclusions. Their reliability is 97%;
Second-generation contraceptives are considered to be coils that contain copper. They are divided into two categories - for women who already have children and for those who have not yet given birth. Their reliability is estimated at 99.7%. Under the toxic influence of copper ions, sperm die without fertilizing the egg;
There are combined models of copper-containing intrauterine devices with silver and gold - these additives increase the reliability, but can increase menstrual bleeding.
Hormone-containing IUDs have become third-generation contraceptives. This is a combination of intrauterine and hormonal contraception today has the highest reliability index of 99.9%. Its advantage is healing effect menstrual pain, endometrial hyperplasia, initial developments adenomas, etc.;
Of all the third-generation products, the Mirena hormonal intrauterine device is singled out as the most effective and convenient. It is T-shaped, with a reservoir installed around the central rod, which is covered with a polydimethylsiloxane membrane, which regulates the frequency of hormone release into the uterus.
The gold intrauterine device can be highlighted in a separate line. This natural contraceptive is perfectly compatible with human tissue, it is not rejected by the body, it has not only contraceptive effect, but also anti-inflammatory. Its only drawback is its high price.

Indications and contraindications

By medical standards, the intrauterine device has its own indications and contraindications, since they, especially representatives of the third generation, are perceived differently by the body.

Indications for use

For some groups of women, the introduction of an IUD is simply necessary for a number of serious reasons:

the presence of contraindications to other contraceptive medications;
contraindications to pregnancy for a number of women’s diseases;
contraindications to pregnancy due to genetic diseases of the spouse.

Contraindications

uterine hypoplasia;
colpitis;
hyperpolymenorrhea;
blood diseases;
suspicion of cancer of one of the pelvic organs;
menorrhagia and other diseases, mainly affecting the genital organs.

Video: "Types, indications and contraindications for installation and possible consequences of intrauterine contraceptives"

Installation

Before inserting the IUD, it is necessary to undergo an examination to identify possible contraindications, decide on the most optimal type and size.

If the patient has no contraindications, installation occurs in the first days after the end of menstruation in clinical sterile conditions, by an experienced gynecologist. The installation procedure is usually almost painless for the patient.

If a woman has contraindications that can be treated, the IUD will be installed after completing an appropriate healing course.

Video: "How to place an intrauterine device in women?"

Possible consequences

The question is often raised whether the IUD is harmful to women. Complications after the introduction of a contraceptive are rare, but every woman should be aware of them.

infertility - it can occur due to damage to the uterus during an improper installation operation;
severe pain or cramps during menstruation;
bleeding between periods;
pelvic organ infections;
the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy;
possible miscarriage in future pregnancies, i.e. risk of miscarriage.

If you experience severe pain, bleeding, abnormal odor or strange discharge, etc., you should immediately consult a medical specialist.

Which ones are better?

A specialist doctor must definitely advise which of the spirals, based on the principle of their action, will be most suitable for a particular patient.

Average prices for intrauterine contraceptives are approximately as follows:

It is worth noting that even the most expensive intrauterine device is well worth its price. Therefore, if after the examination there are no contraindications for the use of this contraceptive, you can safely use this method.

Outpatient clinic, hospital, etc.) in compliance with all the rules of asepsis and antisepsis (under conditions that exclude the possibility of infection in the uterine cavity).

This manipulation is performed on an outpatient basis (it is not necessary to go to the hospital).
WHO recommendations do not regulate the time of installation of the intrauterine device, but traditionally this manipulation is performed on the fourth to eighth day of the cycle (the cycle is counted from the first day of menstruation).

The choice of this interval is due to the following positive aspects:

the cervical canal is slightly open, which facilitates the insertion of the spiral;

the inner surface of the uterus is less vulnerable;

pregnancy can be excluded;

spotting, which often appears immediately after the installation of the IUD, does not bother the woman, since it occurs during or immediately after the end of menstruation.

When inserting an intrauterine device, the doctor performs the following actions::

Conducts a so-called bimanual examination (two-handed examination on a gynecological chair, in which one hand is on the stomach and the other in the vagina), during which the size and location of the uterus is determined.

Inserts speculum into the vagina. Treats the cervix and vagina with an antiseptic.

Performs probing of the uterine cavity. If the length of the uterine cavity does not reach 6 cm, the introduction of an intrauterine device is not indicated, since repeated expulsions are possible (spontaneous exit of the device from the uterine cavity).

Performs paracervical anesthesia (pain relief) with 10 ml of 1% lidocaine solution mixed with 0.5 mg of atropine. It should be noted that some manuals claim that inserting the IUD is a completely painless process, so anesthesia is not indicated. However, these actions not only reduce the severity discomfort, but also prevent vasovagal (reflex) fainting and/or the occurrence of reflex cardiac arrhythmia.

To avoid perforation of the organ, the cervix is grabbed with loop forceps and slightly pulled down, straightening the angle formed by the cervix and the body of the uterus.

The guidewire with the intrauterine device is slowly and carefully inserted into the cervical canal.

In the case of T-shaped intrauterine devices, the conductor inserted into the uterine cavity is first slightly pulled towards itself, releasing the shoulders of the intrauterine device, and then slowly reinserted until it comes into contact with the fundus of the uterus.

The conductor is removed by cutting the threads so that they protrude 2 cm from the external uterine os.

After installation of the intrauterine device, the following restrictions should be strictly adhered to for 7-10 days:

abstain from sexual activity;

refuse increased physical activity;

prohibited hot bath, bathhouse, sauna;

It is better to refrain from taking laxatives and substances that increase the tone of the uterus (eleutherococcus, shepherd's purse grass, etc.);

Do not use Tampax-type tampons (infection may develop).

A week later, the woman comes for a follow-up examination. The doctor checks for the presence of threads in the vagina; sometimes, to make sure that the spiral is positioned correctly, it is necessary to perform a control ultrasound. If the examination results are satisfactory, the woman can return to her normal rhythm of life without any restrictions.

As a rule, a repeat examination is scheduled after 1-3 months. In the future, all women using an intrauterine device are advised to undergo clinical examination - every six months they should undergo gynecological examination, bacteriological examination smears from the vagina and cervix, and, if necessary, a control ultrasound.

Protection from unwanted pregnancy, or contraception, helps a woman maintain her health:

reduces the frequency of abortions;
helps plan pregnancy and prepare for it;
in many cases it has an additional therapeutic effect.

One type of contraception is intrauterine. It is used most often in China, Russian Federation and in Scandinavia. In everyday speech, the term “intrauterine device” is often used.

Advantages of intrauterine contraception:

relatively low cost;
long period of use;
rapid restoration of fertility after removal of the IUD;
possibility of use during breastfeeding and with concomitant diseases;
therapeutic effect on the endometrium (when using a hormonal intrauterine system);
preservation of the physiology of sexual intercourse, lack of preparation, fullness of sensations during intimacy.

Types of intrauterine devices

There are two types of intrauterine contraception:

inert;
medicinal.

Inert intrauterine contraceptives (IUDs) are plastic products different shapes, introduced into the uterine cavity. Their use has been discouraged since 1989, when the World Health Organization declared them ineffective and dangerous to women's health.

Currently, only spirals containing metals (copper, silver) or hormones are used. They have a plastic base of different shapes, close to the shape of the inner space of the uterus. Adding metals or hormonal agents can increase the effectiveness of the spirals and reduce the number of side effects.

In Russia, the following VMKs have gained the greatest popularity:

Multiload Cu 375 – has the shape of the letter F, covered with copper winding with an area of 375 mm 2, designed for 5 years;
Nova-T - in the shape of the letter T, has a copper winding with an area of 200 mm 2, designed for 5 years;
Cooper T 380 A – copper-containing T-shaped, lasts up to 8 years;
hormonal intrauterine system "Mirena" - contains levonorgestrel, which is gradually released into the uterine cavity, providing a therapeutic effect; designed for 5 years.

Less commonly used are IUDs that release medroxyprogesterone or norethisterone.

Which intrauterine device is better?

This question can only be answered after individual consultation taking into account the woman’s age, her health status, smoking, presence gynecological diseases, planning future pregnancy and other factors.

Mechanism of action

The principle of operation of the intrauterine device is the destruction of sperm and disruption of the process of attachment of the embryo in the uterine cavity. Copper, which is part of many IUDs, has a spermatotoxic effect, that is, it kills sperm that enter the uterus. In addition, it enhances the capture and processing of sperm by special cells - macrophages.

If fertilization does occur, the abortive effect of the contraceptive begins, preventing implantation of the fertilized egg:

cuts are intensifying fallopian tube, in which case the fertilized egg enters the uterus too quickly and dies;
the presence of a foreign body in the uterine cavity leads to aseptic (non-infectious) inflammation and metabolic disorders;
as a result of the production of prostaglandins in response to foreign body contractility of the uterine walls is activated;
When using an intrauterine hormonal system, endometrial atrophy occurs.

The Mirena intrauterine system constantly releases the hormone levonorgestrel from a special reservoir at a dose of 20 mcg per day. This substance has a gestagenic effect, suppresses the regular proliferation of endometrial cells and causes endometrial atrophy. As a result, menstruation becomes scanty or disappears completely. Ovulation is not disturbed, hormonal background does not change.

Is it possible to get pregnant if you have an intrauterine device?? The effectiveness of intrauterine contraception reaches 98%. When using copper-containing products, pregnancy occurs in 1-2 women out of a hundred within a year. The effectiveness of the Mirena system is several times higher; pregnancy occurs in only 2-5 women out of a thousand within a year.

How to place an intrauterine device

Before inserting an IUD, you need to make sure there is no pregnancy. The procedure can be carried out regardless of the phase menstrual cycle, but best on days 4-8 of the cycle (counting from the first day of menstruation). It is necessary to analyze smears for microflora and degree of purity, as well as ultrasonography to determine the size of the uterus.

The procedure takes place in outpatient setting without anesthesia. This is a virtually painless procedure. In the first days after insertion, the IUD may cause discomfort. aching pain lower abdomen, caused by contractions of the uterus. The first and 2-3 subsequent menstruation may be heavy. At this time, spontaneous expulsion of the spiral is possible.

After an induced abortion, the IUD is usually installed immediately after manipulation, after childbirth - 2-3 months later.

The insertion of an IUD after a cesarean section is carried out six months later to reduce the risk infectious complications. Spirals can be used during breastfeeding, which is their great advantage.

After insertion of an IUD for a week, a woman is prohibited from:

intense physical activity;
hot baths;
taking laxatives;
sex life.

The next examination is scheduled for 7-10 days, and then, if there are no complications, after 3 months. After each menstruation, a woman should independently check for the presence of IUD threads in the vagina. It is enough to undergo an examination by a gynecologist once every six months, if there are no complaints.

Removing the intrauterine device

Removal of the IUD is carried out at will, with the development of certain complications or after the expiration of the period of use. In the latter case, a new contraceptive can be introduced immediately after removing the previous one. To remove the IUD, an ultrasound examination is first performed and the location of the spiral is determined. Then, under the control of a hysteroscope, the cervical canal is expanded and the spiral is removed by pulling the “antennae”. If the “antennae” breaks, the procedure is repeated in the hospital. If the intrauterine device penetrates the wall of the uterus and does not cause complaints, it is not recommended to remove it unless necessary, as this can lead to complications.

Complications of intrauterine contraception

Side effects from the intrauterine device:

pain in the lower abdomen;
genital infection;
uterine bleeding.

These symptoms do not develop in all patients and are considered complications.

Pain in the lower abdomen

Occurs in 5-9% of patients. Cramping pain, accompanied bloody discharge, are a sign of spontaneous expulsion of the IUD from the uterine cavity. To prevent this complication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed during the post-injection period.

Constant intense pain occurs if the contraceptive does not match the size of the uterus. In this case, it is replaced.

Sudden sharp pains may be a sign of uterine perforation with penetration of part of the spiral into abdominal cavity. The incidence of this complication is 0.5%. Incomplete perforation often goes undetected and is diagnosed after unsuccessful attempts to remove the IUD. In case of complete perforation, emergency laparoscopy or laparotomy is performed.

Genital infection

The frequency of infectious and inflammatory complications (and others) ranges from 0.5 to 4%. They are difficult to tolerate and are accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen, fever, purulent discharge from the genital tract. Such processes are complicated by the destruction of tissue of the uterus and appendages. To prevent them, antibiotics are prescribed for several days after insertion of the IUD. wide range actions.

Uterine bleeding

Uterine bleeding develops in 24% of cases. Most often it appears heavy menstruation(menorrhagia), less often – intermenstrual blood loss (metrorrhagia). Bleeding leads to the development of chronic iron deficiency anemia manifested by pallor, weakness, shortness of breath, brittle hair and nails, dystrophic changes internal organs. To prevent bleeding, it is recommended to take combined oral contraceptives two months before insertion of the IUD and for 2 months after. If menorrhagia leads to anemia, the IUD is removed.

Onset of pregnancy

IUD reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. However, if it does occur, the risk is higher than among other women.

If pregnancy occurs while using the IUD, there are three scenarios:

Artificial termination, because such a pregnancy increases the risk of infection of the embryo and in half of the cases ends in spontaneous abortion.
Removal of the IUD, which can lead to spontaneous abortion.
Preservation of pregnancy, while the device does not harm the baby and is released along with the membranes during childbirth. This increases the risk of pregnancy complications.

The ability to conceive and bear a child is restored immediately after removal of the intrauterine contraception; pregnancy occurs within a year in 90% of women who did not use other methods of contraception.

Indications for use

This type of contraception in nulliparous women may cause serious complications preventing pregnancy in the future. Intrauterine device for nulliparous women can be used only if it is impossible or unwilling to use other methods. For such patients, mini-spirals containing copper, for example, Flower Cuprum, are intended.

On short term It makes no sense to install an IUD, so a woman should not plan a pregnancy for the next year or longer.

IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is believed that, on the contrary, they increase the risk of developing and worsen the course of such diseases.

IUDs are most often used in the following situations:

increased fertility, frequent pregnancies against the background of an active sexual life;
temporary or permanent reluctance to have children;
extragenital diseases in which pregnancy is contraindicated;
presence of severe genetic diseases the woman or her partner.

Contraindications to the intrauterine device

Absolute contraindications:

pregnancy;
endometritis, adnexitis, colpitis and others inflammatory diseases pelvic organs, especially acute or chronic with constant exacerbations;
cancer of the cervix or uterine body;
previous ectopic pregnancy.

Relative contraindications:

uterine bleeding, including heavy menstruation;
endometrial hyperplasia;
congenital or acquired deformation of the uterus;
blood diseases;
severe inflammatory diseases of internal organs;
previously occurred spontaneous expulsion (expulsion) of the IUD;
intolerance to the components of the spiral (copper, levonorgestrel);
absence of childbirth.

In these situations, the use of an intrauterine hormonal system is often justified. Its use is indicated for endometrial pathology, heavy bleeding, painful menstruation. Therefore, the gynecologist will be able to choose the right intrauterine device after examining and examining the patient.

Nowadays it is not difficult to choose effective remedy contraception. A married couple has the right to choose a method independently, taking into account all the pros and cons. It is very important to visit a doctor and consult on this issue. After all, the health of a woman who wants to become a mother or already has children primarily depends on this. One of the most popular methods is the intrauterine device. Let's look further at the pros and cons of the intrauterine device.

How does the IUD work?

The purpose of the IUD is to protect against unplanned pregnancy. The name suggests that it is inserted into the uterine cavity, and it was obtained due to the previous appearance of the product, as it looked like a spiral. Currently, the IUD is a T-shaped stick made of flexible inert plastic. This material is completely safe for women's health.

There are two types of spirals:

The upper part of the spiral is in the form of a thin copper wire.
The spiral contains a container with hormones that enter the uterus throughout its entire lifespan.

It has both the first and second types of pros and cons. The photo above shows what this type of contraception currently looks like.

The principle of operation of the spiral:

Who can install a spiral:

A woman who has given birth and is over 35 years old.
Women who have children after an abortion without complications.
Without cervical pathologies.
If you protect yourself with oral contraceptives Not recommended.
Women who have low level sexually transmitted infections.

Contraindications to the IUD

Before using this method of contraception, it is necessary to consider all the pros and cons of the intrauterine device.

And also make sure that there are no following contraindications:

There was no birth yet.
Constant change of sexual partner.
Cancers of the pelvic organs.
The presence of injuries and stitches on the cervix.
Ectopic pregnancy.
Blood diseases. Anemia.
Infertility.
Vaginal infections.
Availability inflammatory processes in the reproductive system.

How to prepare for installing a spiral

First of all, you need to select a suitable spiral and undergo an examination, which includes:

Next, the doctor must probe the uterine cavity and determine the distance between the uterine angles. And only after thorough examination and there are no contraindications, an intrauterine device is installed. The pros and cons of BMC should already be considered by you.

Features of the first days with a spiral

It is worth noting that only a doctor can install and remove an intrauterine device. The following side effects may appear within a few days after installation of the IUD:

Lower abdominal pain.
Bloody discharge.

You should also avoid increased physical activity. Must be adhered to proper nutrition, rest more, lie down.

The manifestation of side effects can be observed for six months and will disappear completely over time.

Must be taken regularly medical checkup after the IUD was installed. After installation, a month later, then after 3 months, then once every six months.

What are the advantages of the IUD?

If you have chosen a contraceptive method such as an intrauterine device, you need to know all the pros and cons.

Let's look at the positive aspects:

It does not require special care. After installation, after a period of rehabilitation, it is practically not felt.
Efficiency is 95-98%.
Can be installed for several years.
For many women, the menstrual cycle becomes shorter, and the periods themselves become almost painless.
It has a positive therapeutic effect for uterine fibroids and other gynecological pathologies.
Can be used during breastfeeding.
Does not affect reproductive function in organism.
The effectiveness remains regardless of taking any medications.
Economical and convenient. There is no need to follow a dosage schedule or spend money on regularly purchasing contraceptives.

What are the disadvantages of the IUD?

There are also negative aspects of using an IUD:

There is a high risk of ectopic pregnancy.
There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
The risk of inflammatory diseases increases.
Cannot be used by nulliparous women.
Painful periods for the first six months.
Large blood losses are possible.

We looked at the pros and cons of a contraceptive such as an intrauterine device. We will consider the consequences of BMC further.

What complications can there be when using an IUD?

The qualifications and experience of the doctor are of great importance, since correct installation or removal by an inexperienced specialist may result in removal of the uterus. Knowing the pros and cons of the intrauterine device, you need to know what complications are possible when using it.

Possible complications when using an IUD:

Perforation of the uterine walls.
Cervical rupture.
Bleeding after installation.
The IUD can grow into the uterus.
The antennae can irritate the walls of the cervix.
The spiral may move or fall out if incorrectly selected and installed.
Pain in the lower abdomen.

You need to urgently visit a specialist if:

Severe pain appeared in the lower abdomen.
There is a suspicion of pregnancy.
Bleeding continues for a long period of time.
There are signs of infection: elevated temperature body, unusual vaginal discharge.
Pain or bleeding occurs during sexual intercourse.
The IUD strings have become longer or shorter.

We looked at what an intrauterine device is, the pros and cons of this method of contraception, as well as possible complications. Next, consider patient reviews.