We often write blogs about motherhood. But what if you don't want a child (anymore) at all? Or at least not yet? Then you have two options:abstinence or a good contraceptive. Now, having young kids is almost like abstinence for some parents, but let's hope it still happens every now and then. So we focus on option two:a good contraceptive. Earlier we wrote about the contraceptive pill, which has its own advantages and disadvantages. This time we're going to talk about the IUD. Here you can read about which types there are, what the advantages and disadvantages of an IUD are and what you can expect if you want to have one placed.
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In our blog about the pros and cons of the contraceptive pill, you may have already read about the pros and cons of this contraceptive. Biggest drawbacks :mysterious side effects and you better don't forget † The latter is perhaps the biggest drawback for most women. Precisely because you have to think about taking your contraceptive pill every day, its reliability does not improve. Do you also have trouble with that? Then the IUD as a contraceptive may be more for you. You can read more about it here.
The IUD comes in two forms. The copper IUD, which does not release hormones, and the hormone IUD. Both must be inserted by a doctor or midwife. So you can't get it at the pharmacy and install it yourself 😉 . On the other hand, you will be good for at least 5 years. If all goes well.
The copper IUD therefore contains no hormones † One of the important benefits for many women. And handy if you are not allowed to consume it, or if you have something against it on principle. How does it work then? The copper in the IUD makes the man's sperm cells inactive † So there is no fertilization Place. In addition, it makes the endometrium unsuitable for implantation. But, contrary to what is often the case, there is still a menstrual period every month Place. So it looks more like your natural cycle than if you went for a hormonal IUD.
But you can't regulate or plan your menstruation again such as the contraceptive pill. The menstrual period can also be a bit more painful if you have an IUD. But this should be back to normal in a few months. So it just depends on what you want, whether this is something for you. The copper coil is effective for 5 to 10 years.
The hormone IUD gives (the name already gives it away a bit) does release hormones † The best known is the Mirena. The active ingredient in this IUD is the hormone. Officially, the progestin hormone is called levonorgestrel – a nice one for hangman. This hormone ensures that a fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterine wall † It therefore does not stop your period, although it does happen regularly that women with a hormonal IUD don't menstruate or much less often † Unfortunately, you also hear the opposite, namely that menstruation actually gets worse. There is only one way to find out… The hormonal IUD is effective for 5 years.
Note:If you use it during the menopause, this IUD will be effective for 3 years.
For some women, the hormonal IUD is the method of contraception. But you can also have to deal with annoying side effects .
The most important are irregular bleeding infections in the uterus and back and/or abdominal pain † Also nausea , water retention , painful tense breasts , headache and skin abnormalities can occur. Some women also experience mood changes as a result of the hormones (just like with the contraceptive pill). or more or less sex drive † More sex drive may not be such a problem 😉 . However, if you continue to suffer from the less pleasant side effects, it is smart to see a doctor.
Read also :Improving your sex life, that's done in a jiffy
Whether you go for a hormone IUD or a copper IUD, insertion is done in the same way. In any case, it should always be done by a qualified doctor or midwife. They will first check your uterus to examine its position and size, and to rule out a possible pregnancy. Then the IUD is inserted. This can hurt for a while † To be on the safe side, you can take a painkiller an hour before inserting your IUD. You can also opt for a local anesthetic.
First, your vagina and uterine wall are disinfected. Then the doctor or midwife places a duckbill to stretch the uterus. Then the IUD is inserted. That can hurt sometimes. You may also bleed or faint. But the latter is really an exception. If you still want children, your vagina and uterus will be faced with much hotter fires 😉 .
Would you like to learn more about the IUD, the method and the expectations? Take a look at the site of, for example, Thuisarts.nl, a website that is used by general practitioners to provide their patients with information.
Read also :A horror birth – that needs to be talked about
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