How to Choose the Right IUD for You: Tips and Guidance

The IUD, in its two types, the traditional copper and the hormonal, is one of the most effective and safest methods of contraception to date. It is one of the most used methods by women around the world for birth control due to its many advantages.

Known in English as Intrauterine Device or IUD, it is a small T-shaped device, made of copper or plastic, and ends with a thread hanging from its end used to pull it out later. It is installed inside the uterus by a specialized doctor for the purpose of preventing pregnancy by hindering the fertilization of the egg and its implantation in the lining of the uterus.

What are the symptoms and harms that may be caused by IUD insertion?

1. Heavier than usual menstruation

2. The menstrual period extends for an extra day or two than usual

3. Severe pain accompanies menstruation for many women

4. After IUD insertion, women are prevented from lifting heavy objects and practicing some violent sports

5. Vaginal discharge in the first months of insertion

6. Weight gain

7. Potential to cause ovarian cysts

Advantages of the Contraceptive IUD

1. Effective up to 99 percent

2. Its effectiveness lasts from 5 to 10 years, which is the lifespan generally preferred by doctors, and may last longer depending on the type used.

3. Not affected by any type of medication taken by the woman

4. All normal women can have the IUD inserted in both types, even those who cannot use estrogen treatments

5. Pregnancy occurs immediately after its removal if there are no health obstacles

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When is IUD insertion prohibited?

1. Having a sexually transmitted infection

2. Possibility of pregnancy

3. Having infections in the cervix

4. Uterine cancer or cervical cancer

5. Having unexplained vaginal bleeding

6. Congenital malformations in the uterus or cervix

7. Allergy to copper if you want to install a copper IUD

8. Liver disease or breast cancer if you want to install a hormonal IUD

Cases that require the removal of the IUD from the uterus

The IUD is removed from the uterus immediately after the end of its lifespan, otherwise there are some exceptional cases that require its immediate removal, at a specialized medical clinic, which are:

1. Suffering from severe side effects, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or severe headache

2. Discovering a pregnancy while it is in the uterus

3. The IUD falling out or changing its position

4. Reaching menopause because neglecting to keep an expired IUD leads to cancer

5. Having endometrial cancer or cervical cancer

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