{"id":1374,"date":"2022-02-09T09:59:11","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T09:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/?p=1374"},"modified":"2022-03-15T10:17:35","modified_gmt":"2022-03-15T10:17:35","slug":"iuds-benefits-insertion-effectiveness-and-future-implications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/iuds-benefits-insertion-effectiveness-and-future-implications\/","title":{"rendered":"IUDs: Benefits, Insertion, Effectiveness and Future Implications"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you want long-term, effective, and reversible birth control, you might already be considering an IUD or an intrauterine device. But, what does an IUD look like? How does an IUD work? What are its benefits and does it have any potential drawbacks? In this article on IUDs, we discuss the benefits of IUD, how long until an IUD is effective, and much more. But before jumping straight into the expert tips, please reach out for professional advice and guidance. We recommend consulting professionals like <\/span><a href=\"\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/deborah-c-siman-md-facog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Dr. Deborah Siman<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to ensure you get the best treatment and top results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With that in mind, here is everything you ever wanted to know about IUDs. Scroll on to find the answers to \u201chow does an IUD work\u201d, \u201chow long until an IUD is effective\u201d and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What&#8217;s an IUD?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re a complete beginner, you might be unfamiliar with the term &#8220;IUD&#8221;. In brief, IUD is short for intrauterine device, a tiny device that your doctor places into your uterus as a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It&#8217;s widely popular, mainly because it&#8217;s reversible and highly effective in pregnancy protection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does an IUD Look Like?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1376 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like.jpg\" alt=\"IUD\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/What-Does-an-IUD-Look-Like.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An IUD is small and it&#8217;s shaped like the letter &#8220;T&#8221;. Occasionally, it&#8217;s also called intrauterine contraception or IUC. In the United States, the FDA approves the following 5 brands of IUDs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kyleena<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Skyla<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mirena<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paragard<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Liletta<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depending on which brand you choose, they can be effective from around three to twelve years. The IUD brands mentioned can be categorized into:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Copper IUDs (such as Paragard)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hormonal IUDs (Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your doctor may recommend the Paragard IUD if you wish to go hormone-free. What does an IUD look like in this case? In essence, the IUD is created from polyethylene and its wrapped in copper. Paragard can protect you from unwanted pregnancy for up to twelve years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a comparison, the other IUD brands use progestin, a hormone similar to progesterone, to prevent an undesired pregnancy. Skyla is effective for a maximum of 3 years, Kyleena for 5 years, while Mirena and Liletta are suitable for up to 7 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A skilled <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/contraception\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">contraception specialist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> will suggest the best brand for your specific needs and health condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Does an IUD Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Now that you\u2019ve found the answer to &#8220;what does an IUD look like&#8221;, let&#8217;s analyze how it works. In essence, both the hormonal and the copper IUDs prevent undesired pregnancy by altering how the sperm cells move. As a result, they cannot reach the egg to fertilize it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, in the case of the Paragard copper IUD, the copper repels sperm so that it can&#8217;t get to the egg. The hormonal IUDs work a bit differently. IUDs like Skyla, Liletta, Mirena, and Kyleena work by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stopping ovulation (the eggs leaving the ovaries)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thickening the mucus in the cervix, blocking and trapping sperm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, how does an IUD work? If an egg isn&#8217;t fertilized, there is no chance of pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the most significant benefits of IUDs is that they last a long time, some up to 12 years. However, they are not a permanent fix for contraception. If you want to get pregnant or you just want to remove the IUD for another reason, your doctor can remove it quickly without problems. Typically, you will be able to conceive a child after IUD removal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What to Consider Before Choosing an IUD<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The benefits of an IUD are plentiful. But before you choose to get an intrauterine device, whether a hormonal or non-hormonal one, consider the following points.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If You Have Symptoms of a Specific Condition<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Women who have liver disease, reoccurring pelvic inflammatory disease episodes, irregular menstrual bleeding, or a similar condition may want to refrain from using an IUD. Of course, your healthcare provider will make an expert assessment of the best contraception for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If You Have Had Side Effects from Hormone Exposure in the Past<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We&#8217;re all different. That means that one woman may benefit from a particular brand of hormonal IUD, while another won&#8217;t. The hormone in Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, and Liletta is released only into the uterus, so the effects aren&#8217;t as broad as in the case of birth control pills. However, if you are sensitive to hormonal contraception, these will be unsuitable choices for you. Also, if you had side effects from previous hormonal contraception or a history of ovarian, uterine, cervical, or breast cancer, it&#8217;s best to avoid hormone use. The Paragard IUD may be a good alternative for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Long Do You Want it to Last?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You might be wondering, &#8220;how long until the IUD is effective?&#8221;. The answer is: it depends. How long until the IUD is effective will depend on the brand and the type of intrauterine device you choose. Moreover, keep the following factors in mind when deciding on an intrauterine device:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What does your schedule look like?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is your budget?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you want to get pregnant soon?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are looking for convenience, we recommend choosing a long-lasting IUD. This way, you don&#8217;t have to think about its effectiveness and when you&#8217;ll need to take it out. Moreover, if you decide to remove or replace it earlier, you may need to make more medical appointments that could increase the price. Finally, if you want to have children soon, choosing an intrauterine device with a 3-5 year lifespan may be a better choice for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall, when it comes to &#8220;how long until the IUD is effective&#8221;, the answer will also depend on the brand, the type (hormonal or non-hormonal), and a few other factors such as maintenance. Namely, your doctor will recommend you refrain from vaginal sex, swimming, baths, menstrual cup and tampon use for a minimum of 24 hours after inserting an intrauterine device.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Potential Risks of IUDs<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1377 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs.jpg\" alt=\"Woman Hand Holding Calendar With Question Mark Waiting for Late Blood Period\" width=\"1000\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs-200x136.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs-400x273.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs-600x409.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs-800x546.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Potential-Risks-of-IUDs.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the United States, about 6.5% of people use intrauterine devices. According to research, these numbers are expected to increase in the upcoming years. As you already know, intrauterine devices have many advantages, including offering effective pregnancy prevention, long-lasting effects, easy insertion, and removal, etc. However, certain complications are associated with intrauterine devices, especially when inserted incorrectly or not maintained properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the most common adverse effects of using an intrauterine device is discomfort or pain, mainly during insertion. Patients worried about possible pain should always consult their health provider about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. If you already have an IUD and you are experiencing unbearable pain, call your doctor immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the following side effects are also possible:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irregular periods (with hormonal IUDs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavier periods and stronger cramps (with copper IUDs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Backache or cramps a few days post insertion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spotting between periods<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sometimes, women experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lost strings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expulsion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Perforation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Severe IUD complications are rare but possible. You can significantly reduce your chance of experiencing severe side effects by choosing an experienced doctor. Moreover, it&#8217;s crucial to understand <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sex\/birth-control\/iud-intrauterine-device\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">proper IUD use<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Your healthcare provider will give you helpful tips to prevent complications from happening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Call Us Now<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you want long-lasting, reversible pregnancy protection? Reach out to us today. Our team of kind and reliable experts will dedicate themselves to giving you the best treatment available.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you want long-term, effective, and reversible birth control, you might already be considering an IUD or an intrauterine device. But, what does an IUD look like? How does an IUD work? What are its benefits and does it have any potential drawbacks? In this article on IUDs, we discuss the benefits of IUD, how  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[37,110],"tags":[113,112,114,111],"class_list":["post-1374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","category-iuds","tag-benefits-of-iud","tag-how-does-iud-work","tag-how-long-until-iud-is-effective","tag-what-does-an-iud-look-like"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1374"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1374\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}