Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion is a safe and effective method of long-term contraception. There are currently two types of intrauterine devices: copper and hormonal (levonorgestrel). Depending on the type of intauterine dedice, it can be effective for up to 6 years. If you decide to become pregnant, your doctor can remove the contraceptive IUD at any time.
How does a contraceptive IUD work?
All contraceptive IUDs cause an immune response. Your body recognizes the contraceptive IUD as an intruder and takes action to defend itself. This process causes inflammation. The inflammation in the uterus creates a toxic environment for sperm. As a result, sperm cannot reach the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg. The specific properties of copper and hormonal intrauterine devices also prevent sperm from leaving the uterus.
- Copper IUDs – increase the inflammatory response. If sperm were to fertilize an egg, your uterine lining would prevent the fertilized egg (embryo) from implanting and developing;
- Hormonal contraceptive IUDs – release a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel over time. Levonorgestrel thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to swim into the fallopian tubes. It also thins the lining of your uterus and partially suppresses your ability to release an egg during your menstrual cycle.
Detailed information about the procedure
What happens before the procedure?
During the consultation, the doctor will assess your health and lifestyle to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the insertion of a IUD. The IUD can be inserted on any day of your menstrual cycle. Before that, you may need to take a pregnancy test, get checked for sexually transmitted diseases, or have a cervical oncocytological examination.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The patient lies down on a gynecological examination chair. A plastic speculum is inserted into the vagina to spread the vaginal walls so that the obstetrician-gynecologist can examine and evaluate the cervix and surrounding tissues. During the examination, you may be given local anesthetics so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. The obstetrician-gynecologist then inserts the contraceptive coil into the cervix, which may cause slight discomfort.
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, your obstetrician-gynecologist may monitor you for up to 15 minutes to make sure you do not experience any side effects, including dizziness, nausea, or an allergic reaction. You will be able to return home on the same day as the procedure. After the procedure, the following is recommended:
- Moderate activity;
- Medication for pain relief for the first 24–48 hours after insertion;
- If you experience heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, or fever, consult your doctor;
- Three months after insertion, a check-up is required, followed by annual check-ups.
What are the advantages of contraceptive IUDs?
- The success rate is 99%;
- It eliminates the need to look for contraceptives before sexual intercourse;
- It can be removed if you decide to become pregnant or change your method of contraception;
- It protects against pregnancy for many years without any ongoing maintenance on your part.
What are the side effects or complications of the procedure?
- Perforation;
- Heavy menstrual bleeding and pain before menstruation;
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
- Endometriosis of the uterus;
- Ectopic pregnancy.
When is it not recommended to use an IUD?
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or other pelvic organs;
- Congenital uterine abnormalities or uterine tumors (myomas) that deform the uterine cavity;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
- You have an active sexually transmitted infection (STI);
- You should not use copper IUDs if you are allergic to copper or have Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that causes copper to build up in the body;
- You should not use hormonal contraceptive coils if you have severe liver disease or breast cancer; You should not use them if you are considered to be at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Do I have to buy the contraceptive IUD myself?
During the consultation, the doctor will assess your health and lifestyle to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a contraceptive IUD. The doctor will then recommend which contraceptive IUD to buy and where to buy it. In Lithuania, contraceptive IUD are sold in most pharmacies
