What is the IUD? How many types are there?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Pham Thi Mai Nhung - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital
An IUD is a small device (usually T-shaped) that is placed in a woman's uterus to provide effective contraception that lasts for many years. Currently, IUD is a method of contraception widely used by many people because of its safety, effectiveness, simplicity and economy.

1. What is an IUD?

IUD is one of the temporary methods of contraception, often widely used because of its simplicity and effectiveness. In Vietnam, IUDs containing copper Multiload 375 and TCu 380A are being widely used. Recently, the Mirena hormonal IUD (intrauterine device containing the hormone levonorgestrel) has come on the market.
An IUD is a small device (usually T-shaped) that is inserted into a woman's uterus to provide effective contraception that lasts for many years. The IUD can be copper-wired (or not) to increase the effectiveness of birth control. Two common types today are T-shaped and bow-shaped rings, with copper windings. The end of the IUD has two small wires protruding into the vagina about 2-3 cm, helping to check if the ring is still in the correct position. Currently, the most modern IUD is a type of IUD containing the hormone levonorgestrel (Mirena ring) which is released gradually, creating very high effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
The main mechanism of action of the IUD is to cause an inflammatory reaction in the uterine lining, change the biochemical structure of endometrial cells and do not create favorable conditions for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. .

2. How many types of IUDs are there?

2.1. Inert IUDs The 1960s were the era of inert IUDs. They are a plastic device, shaped to fit snugly into the uterine cavity. There are different shapes but work on the same principle. Inert IUDs are often laced with BaSO4 so that they can be easily seen on X-rays. However, because the effectiveness is not high, today inert contraceptives are almost no longer used.
The contraceptive mechanism of an inert IUD is to induce a local inflammatory reaction due to the presence of foreign bodies affecting gametes and implantation. The single mechanism of an inert IUD results in a rather low contraceptive efficacy.


2.2. Copper IUD To improve the contraceptive effectiveness of an inert IUD, metallic copper is added to the IUD. This is also the most commonly used type of IUD in today's IUDs, T-shaped and bow-shaped rings, with copper wraps. The end of the ring has two small wires that poke out from the vagina by 1-2 cm so you can check if the ring is still in place or when removing the ring from the uterus easily. There are 2 types of IUDs. Commonly used copper container in Vietnam: TCu-380A ring and Multiload 375 ring. Advantages:
The duration of action of a copper IUD will depend on the type of ring. With the Tcu 380 ring, the effectiveness of contraception is 8-10 years, while with the Multiload 375 ring, the effectiveness is 5-6 years. In the first few days, women may feel a little bit entangled, but gradually, when they get used to it, that feeling will pass quickly. In addition, the method of contraception is also a way to help the couple's relationship be "real" more than other methods such as using condoms. Cons:
When you first put the IUD, you may feel abdominal pain, entanglement, bleeding. IUDs can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, making her period longer, bleeding more, women having more abdominal pain during the cycle, or back pain... Some people have symptoms. Abnormal and abundant vaginal discharge. Some rare conditions such as: the IUD is ectopic (ejected out of the cervix or moved up, through the muscle layer of the uterus).

2.3. Hormonal IUD Currently, compared with conventional IUDs, hormonal IUDs have regular release of progestin, creating a higher contraceptive effectiveness.
Advantages:
The first advantage is that the hormonal IUD is 98-99% effective, promoting immediate and long-term effectiveness of contraception (5 years for Mirena). The method of hormonal IUD insertion 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. Hormonal IUDs can also relieve menstrual pain or symptoms of endometriosis, such as pelvic pain and irregular bleeding. Mirena, in addition to preventing pregnancy, is also considered as an effective treatment for endocrine-related functional menorrhagia, and for menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. Cons:
However, the disadvantage of the hormonal IUD is that the price of the IUD is quite high compared to the common ground. Hormonal IUD can cause some side effects such as headache, nausea, chest pain, acne... Symptoms after IUD insertion are transient and nothing. worrying. 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 compared to other methods of contraception, 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.
If you do not intend to become pregnant and want to prepare for the best health and mental health before having children, go to medical facilities for pre-marital health check-ups. You will be consulted by specialist doctors on effective methods of contraception and contraception before getting married, and will be examined for fertility and sexual evaluation, screened for sexually transmitted diseases, and screened. screening for genetic diseases. In particular, this examination process will be able to detect early causes that can lead to infertility and infertility so that early intervention measures can be taken. Doctors will also advise on the best time to give birth and measures to be able to give birth to healthy and intelligent children.
Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a pre-pregnancy health care and counseling program to help mothers prepare for the best health before pregnancy. With this program, you will receive:
General health examination, especially gynecological examination, to help assess the possibility of conception as well as the health of mother and baby during pregnancy. Vaccination before pregnancy, helps prevent many dangerous diseases, especially Rubella. Genetic counseling helps identify risk factors, helps clients and families make decisions, and prevents occurrence or re-emergence in the family. Screening detects healthy people carrying disease genes, especially hemolytic anemia. Doctors will analyze the results and provide specific genetic counseling for you to proactively take preventive and intervention measures.

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