IUD - Information On Intrauterine Device

Contraception is an important subject for women, as it helps them to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Several contraceptive methods have been used to date in an attempt to provide the most effective contraceptive measures for women. IUD and IUS are some examples of hormonal contraceptive methods. The IUD is an intrauterine device, which is placed inside your womb in order to protect you against pregnancy. In the 1960s, this device imitated the shape of a coil or a loop, which is why it was commonly referred to as 'the coil/loop'. However, IUD is now available in the form of a 'T' shaped device, to be fitted into your womb.

Benefits of an IUD

The major benefit of this contraceptive device is that it provides you with immediate protection against pregnancy. It remains effective for a longer period of time, between five and ten years, without you having to do anything. It is reassuring as it does not cause any hindrance to your monthly periods. Unlike other contraceptives such as hormonal contraceptives, medications and health problems have very little effect on the effectiveness of this intrauterine device. Your fertility is restored immediately after the device is removed from your womb. It also lowers the risk of side effects as it does not use hormones for preventing pregnancy.

The coil – a type of IUD

The coil is a type of this contraceptive device which is inserted into a woman's womb. Earlier, as mentioned above, it was referred to as the coil because of its shape, but the modern name for this device is 'the copper T', simply because it is 'T' shaped and contains copper. This IUD used copper as its chief ingredient in order to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. Women who are looking for long term protection against pregnancy usually prefer this method. The device remains active immediately after its placement and stops working as soon as it is removed from your womb.

Using and working of the coil

Women who wish to use this contraceptive device need to get the device placed by a doctor or a nurse. The placing of the IUD device usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The intrauterine device works in three different ways to prevent you from being pregnant. First, it does not allow the sperm entering your vagina to enter your womb. Second, it further prevents this by thickening the cervical mucus, creating a barrier for the sperm. Finally, it alters the womb lining, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant itself and grow further.

Side effects of the coil

This intrauterine device usually does not cause any side effects in women as it uses copper instead of synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. However, if you do experience side effects, they may include heavy periods, longer periods and more painful periods. It is, though, believed that these side effects subside as your body gets used to the presence of the device in your body, adding an appealing factor to the device.