It seems as though the intrauterine device (IUD) has been getting a bad reputation, a new study shows. US researchers found that many women have inaccurate preconceptions about the device and they are urging doctors to give more information on the benefits of having one.
Having a foreign object inserted into the uterus sounds like a terrifying prospect, but the reality is it’s safer and more effective than the hormone-filled Pill that most women use. In fact, the IUD is 99% effective, whereas the Pill is only 95%--and that’s if you use it properly.
Also, in the long run, an IUD is cheaper to have. The Mirena, one of the two most popular brands of the device, would on average cost about $400 to have put in and would last around 5 years. If you are on the Pill and it costs you $50 a month, you’ll take about a $3000 hit to your purse in the long term. And with Paragard, Mirena’s copper cousin, you’d save another $3000 as it can last up to a decade.
Still not convinced? Well, in addition to being one of the best ways to ward off pregnancy, the Mirena can reduce your period and even make your flow 90% lighter. In fact some women’s periods completely stop. And if you’re already a mother, the lack of hormones won’t interfere with breast feeding.
Also, an added bonus is that using an IUD is completely reversible. In fact, fertility returns pretty fast after removal. Your first post-IUD ovulation occurs within the first six weeks. Of course, it is recommended that you wait at least 60 to 90 days before getting down to business.
Of course, as with anything awesome, there are certain risks. Once in a while, an IUD can slip out of the uterus or even completely come out. This is more likely for users who have never had a child. Rarely, bacteria can get into the uterus during insertion, but these usually develop within the first three weeks. This doesn’t mean that an IUD causes infection, which is another common belief. Even rarer than the bacteria is that the IUD can push through the uterine wall, but this is usually caught by the health care provider taking care of you.
As a user of Mirena, I can personally say it’s been a pretty good ride. Sex anytime I’m ready and an almost non-existent period? I’m glad I signed up! The first couple of months are a little spotty, but it’s worth it in the long run. Before filling that next prescription of the Pill, talk to your provider about the possibility of an IUD.
Check out these sites for more information:
Planned Parenthood (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrauterine_device)
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