What is an intrauterine device?
It's a device you put inside the uterus, hence the name. Uterus just means a woman's womb.
Purpose
It provides long-acting reversible contraception, with the Mirena approved to be used up to 5 years but studies showing it is effective up to 7 years
Once removed, even after long use, fertility returns to normal IMMEDIATELY
It is effective and safe to use in adolescents, and those who have and have not had children previously
It doesn't affect breastfeeding, and can be inserted immediately after delivery
It can be used immediately after an abortion
Patient information
Why would you want to put a device inside the womb?
So it's a contraceptive, meaning it prevents pregnancy. What makes it different is that it can be used in the long term. When we say long we mean loooong, like up to 7 years for the Mirena.
So if I want to get preggers, if I take it out, how long before I return to normal?
Immediately.
How about when breastfeeding?
Yep, you can use it.
Abortion?
Immediately after.
Risks
Substantial pain, for women undergoing IUD insertion, that requires active Mx, in 17% of nulli's, and 11% of parous women. NSAID's are effective for this
OK. That's a lot of plusses for this device in the womb which stops you from getting preggers. What are the risks?
There's the risk of pain when you put it in. So there's the risk of it popping out of the womb. It can cause the womb to have a hole. There's a small risk of it not working, and when it doesn't, it's an ectopic pregnancy. It can alter bleeding, so the hormonal type reduces or even stops bleeding, but the copper ones can actually INCREASE this. Risk of infection.
Epidemiology
Most widely used form of reversible contraception, with more than 180m users worldwide
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