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IUDs and why you should consider them

The IUD - Intra Uterine Device. Birth control that lasts between 5-10 years and can be removed at any time. Has over 99% effectiveness, and requires no maintenance. Sound good? That’s why it’s the #1 choice of lady doctors for themselves. You should know a few things before taking the leap, though.

1. It does not protect against STDs. Your doctor will ask if you are in a monogamous relationship. This is pretty important, as it is with any birth control method.

2. It’s generally recommended for women who already have children. Here’s why. The IUD is a T shaped device that is inserted through your cervix into your uterus. There are nylon strings that extend out, for removal, and they will stay tucked behind the cervix, unnoticable to you or your partner. The opening of the cervix before having children is roughly 4mm. After, it expands to about the size of a fish mouth or upwards of 8mm. This makes a significant difference in the ease of insertion of the device, and some doctors will advise against it if you have not had children. Talk to your doctor.

3. You have two choices in IUDs. Paragard, which is a plastic IUD with copper wraps as shown here: (actual size,) or Mirena, fully plastic, as shown here: . They are exactly the same size, and here are the details on each.

Paragard: lasts for up to 10 years. contains copper, so it’s good to know if you have any metal allergies. no hormones. can cause heavier bleeding and an increase in menstrual symptoms. for most women, this only lasts a few months, but for some, it’s just part of the package. it’s over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Mirena: lasts up to 5 years. contains a low dose of hormones, even lower than what you’d find in a mini-pill like Yaz. can cause weight gain. can also result in lighter bleeding or eventually no bleeding at all from menstruation. the makers of Mirena claim it’s over 99.9% effective.

I’ve had a Mirena IUD for four years now, and for a variety of reasons discussed with my doctors, I’ll be changing to a Paragard. I take a medication that renders hormonal birth control ineffective, which is why I got the Mirena in the first place. It’s been effective (the hormones in it are not the reason it works), but I’ve decided to change. I have not had children, and had to see a specialist to have my first IUD put in, as it required a bit of special care. I can also tell you that I, along with others I know, did not have a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) prior to having an IUD, but since having one, experience at least one a year.

What’s right for you? I can’t tell you that. I would research it, and then talk to your doctor honestly about your sex life to make a determination about that. I just know that the IUD is the only non-hormonal form of birth control that can be reversed easily (having one’s tubes tied, on the other hand, is really difficult and invasive to do, and to undo.) It’s also an overlooked method of birth control, and many women don’t hear about it. Check it out, but don’t stop carrying condoms.