Meanwhile, there are numerous different contraceptive methods. Among the most popular are especially the birth control pill and the condom, but also the spiral is regularly used by women. However, in addition to advantages, risks can also be identified.
What is the IUD?
The IUD is an element of contraception. The IUD is an element of contraception. First described by Gräfenberg in 1928, the IUD has been continuously developed until today. It is now made of flexible plastic that is implanted in the uterus. The IUD measures about 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters and has a T-shape. Nowadays, a differentiation can be made between different IUDs. On the one hand, IUDs can be made of copper, plastic without additives or those with added hormones. Some models also have a gold plate so that the IUD can be located more easily on an ultrasound image. Contraception with the IUD is considered very safe. As a rule, it must be changed every five years, provided that it is well tolerated. However, the method is not suitable for all women. For example, the IUD is usually only used for women who have already given birth to a child. Young girls and women with irregular cycles or inflammation in the region of the uterus and ovaries should switch to other methods. The same applies to the presence of certain underlying diseases such as diabetes and kidney problems.
Function, effect, and goals
Today’s IUDs are also called intrauterine systems, abbreviated IUDs, after a variety of further development. On the one hand, the IUDs differentiate in their structure, and on the other hand, differences can also be observed in some cases with regard to their effect. The exact mechanism of action has not yet been fully researched. In the case of the IUD with copper, one of the arms of the T-shaped coil is surrounded by a copper wire. This is tightly wrapped around the material, stabilizing the attachment in the uterus. Depending on the product chosen, the surface area of the copper measures 195 square millimeters to 375 square millimeters. The copper releases ions into the surrounding cells. The copper coil triggers inflammation in the uterus, which is considered harmless. As with any inflammation, the body reacts by building up cells to destroy the invaders so as not to endanger overall health. Thus, there is an increased accumulation of white blood cells and macrophages in the area of the uterus. The implantation of an egg cell can be made more difficult in this way. At the same time, the copper ions in the IUD affect the sperm. These are damaged by the toxins and their mobility is restricted. The greater the copper content, the more intense the effect on the sperm. The copper ions exert a similar effect on the fallopian tubes, directly inhibiting implantation. Therefore, the copper IUD is also suitable as a means of abortion. The progestogen-added IUD is externally similar to the copper IUD. However, it does not have a copper arm, instead the part of the IUD is provided with progestin. The effect is again due to inflammation caused by the foreign body. In addition, the cervical secretion takes on a thicker consistency, the fallopian tubes become more immobile, and bleeding intensity is reduced. Some women benefit from less painful menstrual bleeding as a result of the IUD. IUDs without additives are no longer used in Germany. These irritate the uterus and are considered hazardous to health. The insertion of an IUD should be done by an experienced gynecologist. Not every IUD is suitable for every woman; an important factor here is, for example, the size. The insertion is usually done during menstruation, because the cervix is easier to reach during bleeding. It is not uncommon for women to feel pain during insertion. After the procedure is completed, regular check-ups are inevitable. The aim of the IUD is thus to prevent implantation of an egg and a resulting pregnancy. However, sexually transmitted diseases cannot be eliminated by this contraceptive method.
Risks, side effects, and dangers
The IUD is one of the most popular contraceptive methods worldwide. However, it is also associated with risks that should be considered before insertion.Stabilization of the IUD is achieved by perforating the tissue in the uterus. If the IUD is too deep, heavy menstrual bleeding may appear. It may not be possible to locate the thread. If this is the case, the IUD must be located by an ultrasound image and a possible pregnancy tested. Depending on the model, unnoticed expulsion of the IUD occurs in 0.5 to 10 percent of all patients. This occurs particularly frequently in the first few months after insertion during menstruation. Other side effects and discomforts develop due to germs that enter the uterus and settle on the IUD. Inflammation, pain and bleeding problems occur. Inflammation can lead to extensive damage to the fallopian tubes. Under certain circumstances, conditional infertility results from such inflammation. With the copper IUD, very heavy or exceptionally light bleeding is observed, while with the progestogen-containing IUD, intermittent bleeding and spotting cannot be ruled out. In about 20 percent of all women, no menstruation at all can be detected after one year of use. Despite a low Pearl Index, there is still a risk of pregnancy. Fifty to 60 percent of all pregnancies that have occurred despite an IUD develop into miscarriages.
