When we talk about birth control, then the only things that generally cross our minds are condoms, emergency contraceptive pills, and birth control pills. Although there are other methods as well to steer clear from unwanted pregnancies.
Intra-Uterine Devices or the IUD ‘s are one of the best and most effective contraceptives with 99% proven protection from pregnancies. It relieves you from the tension of getting pregnant for 5-10 years. These devices are very small and are made of plastic and copper in the shape of T. it is sold under the common name of Copper-T.
Image Source: blogspot
Copper T (IUD) is an Intrauterine Device which is used for birth control in women. This method is usually meant for those women who have given birth to a baby, this is sold under prescription and can be done by an expert medical practitioner only.
The process of establishing copper-T is very sensitive, so only the trusted medical experts should be reached for this. This device is inserted into a woman’s uterus/ womb. The IUD is inserted through vagina into your uterus, the shape of the Copper T is designed in such a way that this does not allow the zygote to attach itself to the uterine wall , thus avoiding getting pregnant.
Image Source: h-cdn
How many Types of IUD’s are There?
IUD’s are mainly of two types, one is copper IUD’s also known as Paragard ones which are mostly made of plastic/ copper, another ones are Hormonal IUD’s( Mirena,Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla).
The Paragard IUD’s are non hormonal and have copper wires and bits in it wrapped around, which help in preventing pregnancies. These work for almost 12 years and can be taken out non surgically as any other UID.
Hormonal UID’s contain Progestin hormone to control unwanted pregnancies. Progestin is like natural hormone Progesterone and this makes the mucus walls of the cervix thicker and makes it difficult for the sperms to move.This also works for 5-7 years depending upon the type of hormonal UID you choose to use.
How is IUD Inserted?
The head of the T-shaped device is bent to insert it into the uterus of a woman. The plastic pipe is pointed outwards. Once inserted properly, Copper-T acts as a barrier between the zygote and the uterine walls. This prevents the woman to get pregnant.
Image Source: gynecologistmumbai
How Does It Work?
Once inserted, the copper wire wound around the plastic begins to release the copper ions in the surrounding. The copper ions get mixed with the liquid of the uterus and the uterine mucous. That’s how the copper ion infused uterine liquids acts as a spermicide. Copper ions also reduce the motility of the sperm. Even if a sperm manages to fertilize an ovum, then the copper infused environment prevents the pregnancy to established. This is true for the Paragard UID’s.
Hormonal UID’s do the same but with releasing the hormone progestin which thicken the mucus in cervix and hinders the moment of sperms. Sometimes the Hormone also stops Ovulation process. thus no eggs and sperms coming in contact means no pregnancy.
Image Source: kinja-img
How Effective is it?
UID can provide birth control benefits up till 12 years of insertion. However, this depends on the quality of the Copper-T as well. some IUD’s are exclusively produced to provide protection for 5 years. And whenever the woman wants to conceive, the experts remove the Copper-T from the uterus without any surgical intervention.
Image Source: huffpost
What Are Side Effects and complications of UID’s?
Some women have complained about untimely bleeding after getting the Copper-T implanted. This usually happens during the initial years of the implantation. Some women have also complained about the cramps in lower abdominal area. However, this pain is a little bit different from the menstrual cramps. The bleeding usually stops in few days and the painkillers are prescribed for pain relieving.
Image Source: amazonaws
Some women might be allergic to Copper-T. they can experience red patches and itching in their vaginal area. In such situations, the Copper-T should be removed immediately.
Some women can also experience self-expulsion of Copper-T. this happens during the initial period of the implant. If they get the Copper-T implanted immediately after the childbirth, then this is more common to happen.
Image Source: h-cdn
If not inserted properly, women can experience bruises and injury in their womb. Sometimes, it has also been seen that the IUD pokes a hole in the walls of the uterus. This can cause wounds and bleeding in women. If such IUD is not removed immediately, it can cause infections.
Some FAQ’S related to IUD’S:
Do IUD’s stop Periods?
It is not necessary that it happens but there are reported cases where mostly people have experienced less to no periods after one or two years of IUD usage. This is a reversible condition and once the IUD is removed your body cycle goes back to normal.
Do IUD’s make you gain Weight?
Hormonal IUD’s have listed weight gain as one of the probable side effects but it is experienced by less than 5% of the users which makes it minimal.
Is it Painful to Get (Establish) an IUD?
This process is not painful, it is as easy as your normal (vaginal) checkup, the expert may use instruments to seperate your walls and insert the UID, but is mostly painless.
