Pros and cons of the hormonal IUD

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital
The hormonal IUD is a highly effective method of contraception and limits the disadvantages and unwanted side effects of the traditional IUD. However, there are still questions about hormonal IUDs such as: is it good to put a hormonal IUD? Should I insert a hormonal IUD?
The hormonal IUD is a type of intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy called Mirena. This is a 32 mm long T-shaped intrauterine device with a small loop attached to a polyethylene wire.

1. Advantages of the hormonal IUD

The first advantage is that the hormonal IUD is effective up to 98-99%, promoting immediate contraceptive effect and lasting effectiveness from 5 to 10 years. High contraceptive efficiency: the pregnancy rate in the first year of use is 0-0.2%, the cumulative pregnancy rate in 5 years of use is 0.5-1.1%, showing that Mirena's contraceptive effectiveness reaches 99%. Mirena is considered to be equivalent to sterilization but has the ability to quickly restore reproductive function. This method is very safe, does not affect the ability to conceive and reproduce, women can take out the ring at any time to get pregnant and give birth when there is a need. Women 6 - 8 weeks postpartum can apply an IUD method without causing milk loss, without affecting milk quality, and safe for babies. The hormonal IUD does not affect the quality of sex because it does not cause inconvenience or decrease desire during sexual intercourse. The advantages of hormonal IUDs help women reduce menstrual bleeding, reduce menstrual pain, reduce the risk and slow down the growth of uterine fibroids due to the effect of the hormone progesterone. Mirena, in addition to preventing pregnancy, is also considered as an effective treatment for endocrine-related functional menorrhagia and cases of menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids or endometriosis. And yet, the hormonal IUD is very convenient, there is no feeling of entanglement or inconvenience, easy to use and cost-effective.

2. Disadvantages of hormonal IUD

Any contraceptive method has its own advantages and disadvantages and the IUD is no exception to that rule. In addition to the above advantages, there are disadvantages and unwanted side effects that may occur after applying this method, such as:
Increased risk of gynecological inflammation: Hormonal IUD is placed in the uterus to change the endocrine, biochemical endometrial cells affecting the resistance of the reproductive organs. Although it is only a small risk, women need to pay attention to clean the private area because it is very easy to get an infection. Increased vaginal and cervical discharge: When inserted into the uterus, the hormonal IUD as a foreign body can cause a non-bacterial inflammatory response that increases vaginal and cervical secretions. This situation makes women a little uncomfortable because the intimate area is often in a wet state. Menstrual disorders: In the first few months after application, women may notice disadvantages of hormonal IUD insertion when the menstrual cycle comes too early or too late, menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding. , amenorrhea due to endocrine disorders. If you are wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of the IUD, menstrual disorders are the most common manifestation when applying this method. However, you should not be too worried because the menstrual cycle will return to normal after the hormones stabilize, the body gets used to the presence of the contraceptive device. Increased risk of ovarian cysts: A hormonal IUD that uses the hormone progesterone after giving birth can increase the risk of ovarian cysts, but these are usually benign tumors that go away soon after. Causes some side effects: In addition to the above disadvantages, hormonal IUDs also have side effects such as headache, nausea, chest pain, acne... The following symptoms when the hormonal IUD is inserted it is only transient and nothing to worry about.

3. Should I insert a hormonal IUD?

With the advantages and disadvantages of hormonal IUD insertion above, you must have gained useful information when applying this method. According to obstetricians and gynecologists, in order to promote the advantages, limit the disadvantages and absolutely no complications, women should follow these tips:
Before placing the hormonal IUD, You should consider and need to be carefully consulted by your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of IUD to avoid confusion and worry if you experience side effects. Follow the instructions for abstinence, intimate hygiene, take anti-inflammatory drugs and take care of your doctor's health to ensure that the hormonal IUD is stable in the uterus, promoting the best contraceptive effect. Quickly go to the doctor if, after the hormonal IUD insertion, you experience long-term complications, there are no signs of improvement. At a reputable medical facility, doctors advise on the advantages and disadvantages of hormonal IUD insertion to help you feel secure or intervene in time with possible complications. You should follow up with your doctor's appointment to make sure the IUD is stable and effective at preventing pregnancy. Wisely choose medical facilities with reputable contraceptive services. Because only reputable medical facilities, with modern medical equipment, advanced methods, and experienced doctors, can ensure safe and effective IUD insertion. The hormonal IUD is a highly effective and long-lasting method of birth control, and is used as a maintenance treatment in some cases. However, the cost of this method is still quite high, the users are usually high-income people. Therefore, before deciding to choose a method of contraception, it is necessary to consider the appropriateness of cost, demand and effectiveness of that method.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.