IUDs have come a long way since the beginning of their development. While it took a lot of time for the device to become the safe method of birth control it is today, you may still have concerns about how safe it is.
Fortunately, you can have peace of mind knowing that if you do have a bad reaction to the IUD, which is an extremely rare situation, you can have the device removed at any time. You can then consider a different type of IUD (hormonal or nonhormonal) or a different type of contraception altogether.
Additionally, the IUD will not affect your future fertility. After the device is removed, your fertility should be unaffected. Women tend to have normal fertility and pregnancy rates post-removal.
Inserting an IUD takes often takes less than one minute. Still, many women do report feeling cramps after the procedure. Fortunately, they report that over-the-counter medications can relieve the pain.
While insertion can provide some discomfort, the birth control is effective for years. If you have no plans to become pregnant for up to a decade, this is a great choice. It is certainly worth the price of insertion for many women.
One of the reasons many women forego using the birth control pill is because they do not want to influence their hormones. While many IUDs will use progestin, many options are available to you that do not.
For example, some IUD options, like ParaGard, use copper to kill sperm on sight rather than hormones. The device emits a small amount of copper into the uterus, ultimately preventing fertilization.
If you are looking for a form of birth control that is extremely effective, the IUD is a fantastic choice that will not leave you wondering. Studies suggest that IUDs are more than 99 percent effective.
One of the best things about the IUD is that it is not something you have to remember to take on time like the birth control pill. You also do not have to make regular medical appointments or slap on a new patch. You carry your birth control with you at all times.
Minimal side effects accompany the IUD, which is a common concern among women examining their birth control options. Women are often concerned about their weight changing or their periods becoming heavier.
The main side effect associated with the IUD is heavy periods, sometimes just for a short amount of time. Menstrual changes are most common within the first six months.
Are you considering an IUD? With so many birth control options available to you, you might want to ask some questions. An OBGYN may be able to help you by answering some of your questions. We offer affordable services for many families considering their options. Contact NEON to learn more about your options.