Internal Birth Control - IUDs
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Video Description:What's the most popular form of birth control in the whole world? Surprise, it's the intra-uterine device, or IUD.
Transcript:An intra-uterine device, or an IUD, is a T-shaped, plastic instrument that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs available in the United States: ParaGard and Mirena. ParaGard is an older form of an IUD that contains copper. Its presence encourages the body to release leukocytes and prostaglandins, substances that are hostile to both sperm and eggs, or ova. Mirena does this as well, but it also contains progestin. This hormone decreases the frequency with which a woman releases eggs. In addition, Mirena changes the structure of a woman’s cervical mucous, making it difficult for sperm to meet egg. Both ParaGard and Mirena have a more controversial element: They act to thin the lining of the uterus, which may inhibit the implantation of an already fertilized egg. Some individuals believe that this is a form of abortion and opt not to use this type of birth control. Although both types have different methods of action, they are inserted in the same manner. A doctor measures the length and width of the cervix and uterus with an instrument called a “sound.” Then, a tube containing the IUD is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. Once there, the device’s folded “arms” open up to a T-form. Strings at the bottom of the IUD are then snipped to rest just outside the cervix. They can be felt with a finger, and assure a woman that her IUD is in place. IUD insertion may cause pain and cramps, and some doctors recommend taking pain medicine prior to the procedure. It can also help to insert the device mid-cycle, when the cervix is naturally dilated. Once inserted, an IUD is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, lasting for five years in Mirena’s case, and ten or more in ParaGard’s. Should a woman decide to have her IUD removed early, she might take up to a year to get pregnant. This long length of time, unobtrusive placement, and ease of use, all contribute to the IUD’s popularity. In addition, its $200 to $500 price tag makes it the cheapest form of long-term birth control in the United States. In addition, Mirena can reduce or even end menstruation within one year of insertion. ParaGard, on the other hand, may increase menstrual flow by 50 percent. Generally, this form of birth control has relatively few side complications, although on a rare occasion, the device will push through the wall of the uterus, resulting in a uterine perforation. If this is left undiscovered, the IUD can move around and damage internal organs. Also, in the unlikely event that a woman becomes pregnant while using an IUD, she is more likely to miscarry, give birth prematurely, or have an ectopic pregnancy, which is a dangerous condition whereby a fertilized egg develops in a fallopian tube. To avoid a pregnancy, it’s important for a woman to wash her hands, insert her finger into the vagina, and feel for the string between periods, thereby ensuring that the device has not moved. Intra-uterine devices are incredibly effective and very popular, however, they do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of an IUD.
Category:Birth Control/Birth Control Options
Tags:Health, Medicine, pregnant, pregnancy, sex, intercourse, penis, vagina, sperm, egg, ejaculate, ovulation, std, sexual, fuck, oral, anal, paragard, uterus, condom, spermicide, contraception, contraceptive, abortion, estrogen, the pill, internal, iud, intra-uterine device, birth control, SexHealthGuru, Guru, 
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