Procedures

Once properly inserted by your doctor, intrauterine devices, called “IUDs” for short, are 99% effective. Their effectiveness is one reason they are one of the most popular forms of contraception. Some types of IUDs will prevent you from getting pregnant immediately, while others become effective within a few days. One question that comes up is, When can I have sex after an IUD?

Types of IUDs

IUDs are t-shaped devices about the size of a quarter, made of polyethylene plastic. Once your doctor inserts any type of IUD in your uterus, you should refrain from having sex for 24 hours. Additionally for IUD recovery time, you should not take a bath or insert any other object into your vagina (such as a tampon or douche product) during that 24-hour period.

The reason for waiting for 24 hours is due to the risk of infection. The IUD insertion process requires the doctor to pass instruments through your vagina, cervix and into your uterus. It disturbs the protective mucous lining of those organs. If an infection is able to get into your uterus, it can be very serious. Abstaining from sex helps protect you from developing a serious pelvic inflammatory disease. Also, you may experience uncomfortable side effects that occur for a day or two after your IUD is inserted.

After that initial 24-hour IUD recovery time period, you can have sex, but your IUD may not be immediately effective. Whether your IUD is effective immediately or not depends on which type you have and the timing of having it inserted. There are several types of IUDs on the market, as described below:

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs (brand name is ParaGard) is one popular form of IUD. The ParaGard IUD provides birth control immediately upon being properly inserted by your doctor. ParaGard may also provide contraception for any unprotected sex you had during the five days prior to being inserted.

ParaGard 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. ParaGard uses no hormones and can provide birth control for up to ten years.

Hormonal IUDs

The hormonal IUD products (brand names are Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, or Skyla) contain the hormone levonogestrel, a progestin, in various amounts. For hormonal IUDs like Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta, the device is effective immediately if you have it inserted within seven days of the start of your period. If you have it inserted any other time, it will not be effective for one week. During that period of time, you should abstain from sex or use another form of contraception such as a condom.
Hormonal IUDs work by slowly releasing hormones. These IUDs can prevent pregnancy in several ways: 1) it thickens the mucus of the cervix so that it blocks and traps the sperm, 2) it stops you from ovulating, meaning your ovaries do not release eggs, thus depriving the sperm of the ability to fertilize an egg, and 3) some types of hormonal IUDs thin the uterine lining so that if sperm is able to reach an egg and fertilize it, the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus.

Which Type of IUD Should I Get?

To decide on which IUD you need, you need to be examined by your doctor. Your doctor will conduct a pelvic examination and determine the health and position of your pelvic organs. After that examination, your doctor will consult with you about the type of device that is best for you.
In recommending which device is best for you, your doctor will consider the results of your pelvic examination, the heaviness and regularity of your menstrual cycles, your overall health, age, the size and position of your uterus, whether you have had children, and other important factors pertaining to your medical history and plans for future pregnancy.
Once you decide on the kind of IUD you need, your doctor will insert it into your uterus and explain the proper hygiene for the device you use. To properly place the IUD, your doctor will have to pass it through your vagina and cervix and position it in your uterus using special instruments. The insertion of the IUD may cause you some discomfort or pain that usually subsides in a day or two. You can manage it by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Consult Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness For More Information On Sex After IUD’s

To ensure you get an IUD that is effective and safe for your body, you need to get the advice of experienced professionals. At Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness, you will find people who are experts on IUDs and other forms of contraception. Contact them today for more information and to schedule an appointment.

How effective is an IUD? IUDs are actually among the most effective forms of birth control available. Their effectiveness along with their many other benefits make IUDs one of the most popular contraception methods among women.

The Effectiveness of IUDs

IUDs are 99% effective. Their effectiveness does not require you to do anything else after your doctor has properly inserted it.
An IUD (the abbreviation for intrauterine device) is a polyethylene plastic, t-shaped device about the size of a quarter. Your doctor will consult with you about the type of IUD that is best for you. During an examination, your doctor will insert the IUD into your uterus and explain the proper hygiene for the device you use.
The IUD interferes with the ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg. The effectiveness of an IUD depends on the type of IUD.

Certain types of IUDs become effective immediately, while others take about a week to become fully effective. Also depending on the type of IUD, it will remain effective from three to ten years.
There are two different types of IUDs available: 1) a hormonal device, and 2) the copper device. Each of the two types work a little differently in your body, as explained below.

Hormonal Devices

The hormonal IUD products (brand names are Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, or Skyla) contain the hormone progestin in various amounts. By slowly releasing the hormones, a hormonal IUD can prevent pregnancy in several ways: 1) it thickens the mucus of the cervix so that it blocks and traps the sperm, 2) it can stop you from ovulating, meaning your ovaries do not release eggs, thus depriving the sperm of the ability to fertilize an egg, and 3) some will thin the uterine lining so that if sperm is able to reach an egg and fertilize it, the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus.

Hormonal IUD Timeline

• First Day: Your doctor places a hormonal IUD in your uterus. It will not be effective for one week. During that period of time, you should abstain from sex or use another form of contraception such as a condom.
• After the First Week: Your IUD is effective. The hormonal IUD device gradually releases hormones into your uterus. The amount of hormones released depends on the brand.
  The Skyla device contains 13.5 mg of the progestin hormone levonorgestrel and releases about 14 mcg of the hormone every day.
  The Kyleena device contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel. It releases about 17.5 mcg of hormone per day.
  The Mirena device and the Liletta device each contain 52 mg of levonorgestrel. Mirena releases about 20 mcg each day. Liletta releases about 18.6 micrograms per day for the first year.
• First Month: Your doctor may re-examine you to make sure the device is still in place and check for symptoms of infection.
• Three to six months: You may experience unpredictable menstrual cycles. Also, many women with hormonal IUDs notice lighter menstrual periods and reduced cramps. With some brands of hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena and Liletta, you may have no menstrual periods at all.
• Third year: Over the three years since its insertion, the Skyla device has been releasing declining amounts of hormone. By the end of the third year, it only releases about 5 mcg per day. The Skyla device has expired and needs to be removed or replaced.
• Fifth year: The Mirena and Kyleena devices expire. They must be removed or replaced.
• Sixth year: The Liletta device must be removed or replaced.

Copper Devices

The copper IUD (ParaGard) uses no hormones and can provide birth control for up to ten years.
ParaGard 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.

Copper IUD Timeline

• First Day: Your doctor places a copper IUD in your uterus. It is effective immediately. It will also provide contraception for any unprotected sex during the previous five days.
• First Month: Your doctor may re-examine you to make sure the device is still in place and checks for symptoms of infection.
• First Year: You may experience increased cramping and heavier bleeding during your menstrual period.
• Tenth Year: The copper IUD has expired. It must be removed or replaced.

For More Information about IUDs, Consult with Experienced Professionals at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness

The IUD is a reliable and convenient form of contraception for most women. However, the safety and effectiveness of the IUD requires an appropriate examination by a reputable health care provider. They can help determine which type of IUD is best suited for you. Your health and well-being depend on the proper IUD and the proper fit. That is why you should contact the experts at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness to learn more about IUDs and to schedule an appointment.

The modern IUD has replaced the IUD of decades past. As more women discover the benefits the modern IUDs offer as a birth control option, the IUD has become a preferred choice in contraception. The modern IUD is a safe and effective contraceptive device that provides long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy; however, many women still believe form IUD myths and misunderstand how IUDs work and their safety.

How IUDs Work

The IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that your doctor will place in your uterus. It is about the size of a quarter. Once your doctor properly places it in your uterus, you will not be able to feel it.

Two Types of IUD

In the United States, two types of IUDs are available. One is a copper IUD, the other is a hormonal IUD. They work in slightly different ways.

Copper IUD

One type of IUD is wrapped in copper. It prevents pregnancy by impairing the sperm’s ability to reach an egg and fertilize it. The copper produces an inflammatory reaction in your uterus that is toxic to sperm and eggs. The copper IUD provides immediate protection against pregnancy and remains effective for up to ten years.

Hormonal IUD

The other type of IUD is one that is treated with hormones. Like the copper IUD, the hormonal IUD impedes the sperm from reaching the egg. By slowly releasing the hormones, a hormonal IUD can prevent pregnancy in several ways: 1) it thickens the mucus of the cervix so that it blocks and traps the sperm, 2) it can stop you from ovulating, meaning your ovaries do not release eggs, thus depriving the sperm of the ability to fertilize an egg, and 3) some IUDs also thin the uterine lining so that if a sperm is able to reach an egg and fertilize it, the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus.
Hormonal IUDs are effective for three to six years. How long the hormonal IUD lasts depends on the specific brand of hormonal IUD.

3 Common IUD Myths

Many myths about IUDs persist. Misgivings about their safety and efficacy are likely based on confusion about how they work and things they have heard about the old-fashioned IUDs. Three of the more common myths about IUDs include:

IUDs Are Dangerous

Not true.
You may have heard rumors that IUDs can cause infertility due to scarring and increase the risk of pelvic infections. These rumors are based on the old-fashioned Dalkon Shield model of IUD. It was a poorly designed IUD that did cause health problems for some women. That model of IUD has been off the market for many years.
Regarding today’s IUD models, studies have shown that women who use IUDs are not at increased risk of infection or infertility compared with women who use other types of birth control.

IUDs Are for Older, Married Women

Not true.
This is another myth that is based on outdated thinking. People who worry that IUDs are risky for young women are based on the myth that IUDs are dangerous to a woman’s fertility and health. In fact, the concern about infertility is warranted when younger women have multiple partners which can result in contracting an STD, which if untreated, can lead to infertility, unrelated to IUDs.

Your Partner Will Feel the IUD

Not true, provided the IUD has been properly placed by your doctor.
Once your IUD has been inserted by your doctor, you cannot feel it. The procedure itself will feel similar to getting a Pap smear. Your doctor will insert the IUD at the top of your uterus. It has small plastic strings attached to it which may hang 1-2 inches into the vagina. These strings are what you will use to periodically check to be sure your IUD is still in place.
When properly placed, neither you nor your partner should feel the IUD itself, though some people say they can feel the strings during sex. However, the strings are very small and soft enough not to cause discomfort.
Consult with your doctor if you are unsure about the position of the IUD or the strings. Your doctor will examine your IUD to ensure that it is placed properly and that you are not expelling it. If needed, your doctor can adjust the strings so that they cannot be detected during sex.

Contact Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness for Accurate Information On IUD Myths

Other IUD Myths abound; don’t believe them. Instead, contact the specialists at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness to learn the facts about IUDs. For many women, IUDs provide an unparalleled safe, convenient, and inexpensive alternative to birth control for as long as you need it. When the day comes that you are ready to start a family, have your doctor remove your IUD and you are good to go. Contact the experts at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness for more information and to schedule an appointment.

If you are looking for a reliable form of birth control, consider an IUD. For many women, an IUD is the preferred method of contraception because it provides safe and effective long-term birth control. Exactly how does an iud work?

What Is an IUD?

The term “IUD” is the abbreviation for “intrauterine device”. It is a plastic T-shaped device approximately the size of a quarter that your doctor will place in your uterus. Once properly placed in your uterus, you will not be able to feel it.

How Does An IUD Work

IUDs prevent pregnancy by interfering with the ability of sperm cells to reach and fertilize an egg. IUDs impair the sperm cells and the fertilization process in different ways, depending on the type of IUDs and how it is manufactured. Some types of IUDs release hormones and other types of IUDs are made of copper which releases copper ions to prevent pregnancy. Which type of IUD is best for you depends on your unique physiology.

Hormonal IUD – Releases Hormones To Prevent Pregnancy

The hormonal IUD is treated with Levonorgestrel, a progestin.hormones. By slowly releasing the hormones, these IUDs can prevent pregnancy in several ways: 1) it thickens the mucus of the cervix so that it blocks and traps the sperm, 2) it can stop you from ovulating, meaning your ovaries do not release eggs, thus depriving the sperm of the ability to fertilize an egg, and 3) some hormonal IUDs also thin the uterine lining so that if a sperm is able to reach an egg and fertilize it, the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus.

The hormonal IUDs currently available in the United States are Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla. The differences between them are based on:

• Amount of hormone released by each: Each brand releases a certain dose of hormones each day. For example, Skyla releases only 13.5 micrograms or progestin each day, but Mirena releases 52 micrograms.
• Size: Some brands are slightly smaller and narrower, others larger to better accommodate different sizes of women’s bodies.
• Approved length of use: Each brand is suitable for a specific length of time. For example, Liletta is proven effective for up to six years, Mirena and Kyleena for up to five years, and Skyla for up to three years.

If you have an IUD placed while you are menstruating, it will become effective immediately. However, if you have one placed at another time during your cycle, it can take up to 7 days to be effective.

Copper IUD – Releases Copper Ions To Prevent Pregnancy

The copper IUD is a non-hormonal IUD that is wrapped with copper. It is a T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire coiled around it. Once inserted into your uterus, the copper IUD works by producing an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs (ova), thus preventing pregnancy. In effect, the copper ions kill the sperm.

The copper IUD (brand name is ParaGard) provides immediate birth control and is effective for up to ten years. Note also that if you have a copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it may prevent you from becoming pregnant.

Why Are IUDs So Popular?

IUDs are the first choice of birth control for many women. The chief reasons for their popularity are:

• Effective long-term.
• Reversible – when you are ready to get pregnant, simply remove the IUD.
• 99% effective.
• Convenient – you do not have to remember to take a pill.
• Safe to use, even while breastfeeding. An IUD can be inserted immediately after delivery.
• Not noticeable during sex.

Sometimes free under the Affordable Care Act. Despite their popularity, IUDs have a few negatives. They include:

• · Heavier menstrual periods and more cramping with the copper IUD.
• · Irregular periods the first few months with the hormonal IUD. Usually the periods are extremely light or may even stop after the first few months with these devices.
• Rare complications including infection, ectopic pregnancy, and expulsion of the IUD can occur.

Schedule Your IUD Insertion With Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness Today

The safety, convenience, and effectiveness of IUDs are the reason why so many women use them. The experts at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness are available to answer your questions about how does an IUD work and how to find out if an IUD is right for you. Contact them by phone at (919) 636-6670 for more information or schedule an appointment online.

An IUD (“intrauterine device”) is a very popular method of contraception that provides long-term, effective, safe, and inexpensive protection against pregnancy.

How IUDs Work

The IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that your doctor places in your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they are unable to reach an egg and fertilize it. Once properly placed in your uterus, you will not be able to feel the device. It provides effective contraception until it is removed by your doctor or until its product effectiveness expires.

The procedure for having an IUD inserted requires a visit to your doctor. Your doctor’s office can help you decide which type of IUD will be best for you and arrange the insertion procedure.

In the United States, two main types of IUDs are available. One is a copper IUD, the other is a hormonal IUD. Each type of IUD works a little differently.

Copper IUD

One type of IUD known as the ParaGard IUD is wrapped in copper. Once inserted, the copper IUD provides immediate birth control. If you have a copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it may prevent you from becoming pregnant. Also, a copper IUD will provide effective birth control for up to ten years.

Hormonal IUD

Another type of IUD is treated with hormones. Like the copper IUD, the hormonal IUD impedes the sperm from reaching the egg. The hormones released by the IUD impede fertilization in other ways, too. The hormones are only released in one part of your body and therefore they do not have as broad an effect on your body as the hormones in birth control pills. Birth control pills deliver hormones into your bloodstream, but IUDs do not.

Skyla IUD

The Skyla ® IUD is the smallest of the hormonal IUDs. It releases low doses of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel into your uterus at a slow and continuous rate. It is estrogen-free. It works to prevent pregnancy in a combination of ways– by thickening cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm movement, reducing sperm survival, and thinning the lining of your uterus.

Skyla contains 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel. Once it is inserted into the uterus, it will begin releasing about 14 mcg of the hormone every day for the first 25 days. After that, it will release a declining amount of hormone for about three years until it only releases about 5 mcg levonorgestrel per day. It then needs to be replaced. The Skyla IUD prevents pregnancy for up to three years.

Kyleena & Mirena IUDs

The Kyleena and Mirena IUDs use the same hormones as the Skyla IUD and work the same way. However, Kyleena and Mirena IUDs deliver a higher dosage of hormones to your uterus, and each prevents pregnancy for up to five years.

Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel. It releases about 20 mcg of the hormone every day when the device is first inserted. The rate drops to about 10 mcg per day after five years as it reaches expiration. At that point, it must be removed or replaced.

Kyleena contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel. It is the newest type of hormonal IUD. It is the same size as Skyla but remains effective for up to five years.

Liletta IUD

The Liletta IUD is similar to the other hormonal IUDs, but it is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to six years. It contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel.

Key Differences Between The Copper IUD And The Hormonal IUD

The biggest difference between the two types of IUD is one releases hormones over time, and the other does not. They differ in other important ways as well:

• Immediate effectiveness: The copper IUD is effective immediately once properly inserted. The hormonal IUD is immediately effective only if it is inserted during your menstrual period. Otherwise, it may take up to a week to provide effective protection against pregnancy. During that time, you should abstain from sex or use a back-up form of birth control.
• Safety and suitability: Copper IUDs are safe unless you have an allergy to copper or have Wilson’s disease, which causes your body to hold too much copper. Hormonal IUDs are safe for most women. Talk to your doctor if you have had breast cancer or are at a high risk for breast cancer.
• Side effects: The hormones in the hormonal IUD contain enough progestin to reduce period pain and bleeding. During the first few months, however, you can experience sporadic spotting and bleeding. Some women have no periods at all with the hormonal IUDs. The copper in the copper IUD may cause your periods to be heavier and you may experience more cramping, especially at first.

Consult With The Experts On IUDs At Raleigh Gynecology

Deciding on the best form of long-term contraceptive for you is a personal decision and one that should be made based on your health profile. Talk to the specialists at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness before you decide. They will make sure that whatever decision you make is the right one for your body and your lifestyle. Reach out today by phone at (919) 636-6670 or schedule an appointment online.