Many women choose to get an IUD (“intrauterine device”) inserted by their doctor as the preferred way to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are a popular contraceptive device because they provide convenient, safe, and effective birth control for many years.
How Do IUDs Work?
The IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that your doctor will place in your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they are unable to reach an egg and fertilize it. Some types of IUDs are made to release small amounts of hormones that prevent ovulation or prevent any fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterus. Once the IUD is placed in your uterus, you will not be able to feel it. The IUD will only be effective if it is in the proper position in your uterus.
Preparing For The IUD Insertion Process
Before the procedure begins, your doctor will examine you to rule out any infections, STDs, or pregnancy. You will probably have to provide a urine sample which will be tested to ensure you are not pregnant.
Some doctors make it a practice to have their patients take Misoprostol before having an IUD inserted. This drug softens the cervix to help with the insertion in women that have had c-sections or have had difficulty with a prior IUD insertion. Your doctor may also recommend that you heat a light meal or snack and drink plenty of water before the appointment. You may also be advised to take a non-prescription pain reliever such as ibuprofen about 30 minutes before the appointment.
The IUD Insertion Process
Having an IUD inserted usually takes less than 30 minutes in your doctor’s office. The process resembles a pelvic examination. Here is what you can expect.
Your Doctor Will Insert a Speculum
You will lie on an examining table with your legs in stirrups. As part of the insertion process, your doctor will do a manual examination to make sure that your pelvic organs are healthy. Then, your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to hold it open for the IUD insertion procedure. You may experience some cramping during this process.
Determine The Size and Location Of Your Uterus
Your doctor will measure the location and size of your uterus to determine what size IUD you need.
Use An Antiseptic Agent To Clean Your Cervix And Vagina
To minimize the risk of infection, your doctor will carefully clean your cervix and vagina with an antiseptic liquid.
Position The Alignment Of Your Cervix And Uterus
To properly place the IUD, your doctor must align your cervix with your uterus.
Insert The IUD Applicator Tube And Properly Position The IUD
The next step is to physically insert the IUD. To do that, your doctor will fold the arms of the IUD and place it into a small tube called the applicator tube. The applicator tube will be inserted through your cervix and positioned in your uterus. Once in place, the applicator tube will release the IUD. Its arms will unfold and it will resume its T-shape. At that point, the applicator tube will be removed, leaving the IUD in the proper position.
Trim The IUD Strings
The last step in the insertion process is to trim the strings of the IUD. The IUD is made with strings that hang into your vagina to enable your doctor or healthcare provider to easily remove the device. Your doctor will trim the strings so that only one or two inches hang into your vagina.
Follow Up Examinations
At the end of the insertion procedure, your doctor will schedule you for a follow-up examination in 4 to 6 weeks to make sure the IUD is still in place and that you have not developed any problems with the device. For one week following the insertion procedure, you should refrain from having sex or inserting anything (such as a tampon, douche, or any other object) into your vagina.
Consult With The IUD Experts And Gynecologists At Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness
IUDs are a convenient way to prevent pregnancy over a long period of time. Many types of IUDs are available, and you need to make sure you get the one that best suits your
needs while providing effective contraception. For more information about IUDs and to schedule an appointment, contact the experts at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness.
Endometriosis is a 
A faulty immune system could be another culprit. When the body cannot expel the cells through the menstrual process, the body’s immune system may destroy them. However, an immune system that is not healthy may be unable to destroy renegade endometrial cells. In that case, the cells eventually will attach themselves to other organs.
Endometriosis is a common condition in many women. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, abnormal menstrual bleeding, and abnormal bowel or bladder function. It also can interfere with your ability to become pregnant, and if left untreated, can result in infertility. The specialists at 
An IUD (the abbreviation for intrauterine device) is a popular pregnancy prevention device for women. It is a safe and effective form of long-term, reversible contraceptive. Some types of IUDs 
In the United States, there are two categories of IUDs available: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. Which type of IUD is suitable for you depends on your health and personal preferences, as explained below.
The non-hormonal, copper IUD (ParaGard) is another popular form of IUD. The ParaGard IUD can provide birth control for up to ten years. It is a T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire coiled around it. Once inserted into the woman’s uterus, it works by producing an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs (ova), thus preventing pregnancy. It provides immediate birth control.
Knowing how to prepare for a mammogram is crucial for the best experience possible. A mammogram is one of the best tools available for early detection of breast cancer. 
To enable the x-ray machine to capture an accurate image of your breast tissue, your breast tissue needs to be spread out as much as possible, which is the function of the compression paddles. The x-ray technician will position you in such a way that the compression paddles can compress your breasts and flatten them without too much discomfort.
Do not expect to learn the results at the time of your mammogram. The x-ray images of your breast tissue will be analyzed by a radiologist. The radiologist will send a written report of the analysis and any findings to your doctor. In analyzing the images, the radiologist will look for any evidence of cancer or abnormal non-cancerous tissue. Those findings usually require further testing and examination. Most abnormal findings on mammograms are not cancer.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It is performed using a safe, low-dose x-ray machine designed to take images of your breast tissue.
Regular mammograms are critically important to women’s health. An annual mammogram is the best way for doctors to find breast cancer early. It is not unusual for a mammogram to detect cancerous tissue in the breast three years before it is large enough for you to feel during a manual examination.
Your doctor may order a diagnostic mammography for you. A diagnostic mammography is used to investigate changes in your breast such as a lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening, or nipple discharge. It frequently includes x-ray images of the affected breast in addition to those done during a screening mammogram.