Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have become increasingly popular as a long-term birth control option for women around the world. They offer several advantages, such as high effectiveness, convenience, and low maintenance.
However, despite their many benefits, Healthline reports that IUD usage is also associated with several types of risks. Thus comes the need to exercise caution when considering the use of an IUD.
In this article, we will explore a few key factors that should be carefully considered before opting for this form of contraception.
Potential Side Effects and Health Risks
IUDs are generally safe, but, as mentioned earlier, they are not without side effects and health risks. Women using IUDs must be aware of the potential complications.
According to WebMD, some common side effects of IUDs include cramping, irregular bleeding, and discomfort. All these can last for weeks or even months after insertion. These side effects may be more pronounced with certain types of IUDs, such as the copper IUD.
In rare cases, IUDs can lead to infection and injury to the uterus or cervix. It can also cause complications during pregnancy if one becomes pregnant while the IUD is in place. If a pregnancy does occur with an IUD in place, it is likely to be ectopic, which, according to Cleveland Clinic, can be life-threatening.
While the overall risk of these complications is low, it’s essential to discuss them with a healthcare provider before opting for an IUD.
Insertion Process
The insertion of an IUD can be a painful and uncomfortable process for some individuals. During the procedure, the healthcare provider inserts the IUD through the cervix and into the uterus. While this typically takes only a few minutes, it can be associated with significant discomfort and, in some cases, intense pain.
For women anxious about pain, the insertion process is a significant factor to consider when deciding on an IUD. Some healthcare providers may offer pain relief options, such as numbing the cervix, to make the procedure more tolerable.
Removal Process
At times, IUDs tend to break when they’re being removed. According to TorHoerman Law, something like this has happened with the reputable brand Paragard. This incident resulted in lawsuits against the brand.
As per the Paragard lawsuit, the Paragard IUD has been found to fracture when being removed. This, in turn, resulted in severe injuries to many which even required surgery and other medical treatment.
The Paragard IUD lawsuits stand witness to the fact that the IUD removal process can often lead to serious complications. Thus comes the need to exercise caution when an IUD removal is attempted.
To ensure safe removal, IUD users must first use IUDs from brands that don’t have a reputation for breaking when being removed. Users must also get the removal done with the help of experienced professionals who can help minimize the risks of fractures.
Expulsion Risk
Another reason to exercise caution with IUDs is the risk of expulsion.
IUDs can become partially or fully dislodged from the uterus. This may lead to reduced effectiveness or the need for removal.
Expulsion rates are relatively low but can vary depending on the type of IUD. Some studies have shown that younger women who have never been pregnant may be at a slightly higher risk of expulsion.
If an IUD is partially expelled, it may not provide the intended contraceptive protection, and a backup form of birth control is needed. If it is fully expelled, pregnancy becomes possible, and the IUD may need to be reinserted or replaced.
Monitoring the IUD’s position and checking its strings regularly can help detect expulsion early. Women should be educated about the signs of expulsion and report any concerns to their healthcare provider promptly.
Impact on Menstrual Cycle
IUDs can significantly impact a woman’s menstrual cycle. The type of IUD (copper or hormonal) plays a role in determining how one’s menstrual cycle is affected.
Copper IUDs are known to increase menstrual bleeding and cramping, which can be distressing for some women. On the other hand, hormonal IUDs may lead to lighter or even absent periods. This can be viewed as either a benefit or a drawback, depending on individual preferences.
Hormonal IUDs release synthetic hormones into the body. This can cause side effects similar to other hormonal birth control methods, such as changes in mood and weight gain. It’s essential to discuss these potential effects with a healthcare provider and determine whether they align with personal goals and preferences.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that IUDs are very effective when it comes to birth control. However, as you can tell from this discussion, using these devices can get risky at times. Therefore, if you’re using an IUD, exercise utmost caution so that you can avoid these risks.
