What is an IUD? How many types are there?

An IUD is a small device that is inserted into a woman's uterus to provide an effective contraceptive that lasts for many years. This is considered a contraceptive method used by many people because of its safety, effectiveness, simplicity and economy.

Currently, due to increasing demand, there are also many different types of IUDs for women to choose from. So, how many types of IUDs are there? Which one should I choose to use?

What is an IUD?

The IUD is one of the temporary methods of contraception, which is widely used in developing countries because of its simplicity, cheapness and effectiveness. In Vietnam, the Multiload and TCu 380 IUDs are being widely used. Recently, the Mirena hormonal IUD (hormonal intrauterine device) has appeared on the market.

The IUD is one of the most effective temporary birth control methods.

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 coiled 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 progestin (Mirena ring) that is released gradually to create a very high contraceptive effect.

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.

How many types of IUDs are there?

T-shaped IUD

A T-shaped intrauterine device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. This is also the most commonly used type of IUD in today's IUD, T-shaped and bow-shaped rings, with copper wraps. The end of the ring has two small wires sticking out from the vagina about 2 - 3 cm so you can check if the ring is still in place.

Advantage

• The duration of effect of the T-shaped 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 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 to the contraceptive effect, the T-shaped IUD also helps to improve menstrual flow, helping to reduce menstrual pain .
• Compared with other types of IUDs, the T-shaped IUD will be able to limit the risk of tubal inflammation.
• In addition, the IUD is also a way to make the couple's relationship "real" more than other methods such as using condoms .

The T-shaped IUD helps reduce menstrual pain and makes sex more real.

Defect

• When the IUD is first inserted, women may feel abdominal pain, entanglement, bleeding.
• The IUD can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, making menstruation longer, bleeding more, women having more abdominal pain during the cycle...
• Some people have symptoms of abnormal and abundant discharge.
• In addition, there are some possible side effects such as headache, acne, back pain ...

Hormonal IUD

Currently, compared to conventional IUDs, hormonal IUDs with progestin are regularly released, creating a higher contraceptive effectiveness.

Hormonal IUDs have a regular release of progestin that makes them more effective at preventing pregnancy.

Advantage

• 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.
• 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 reduce 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.

Defect

• However, the disadvantage of hormonal IUDs is that the price of hormonal IUDs is quite high compared to the common ground.
• Hormonal IUDs can cause some side effects: Besides the above disadvantages, hormonal IUDs also have side effects such as headache, nausea, chest pain, acne. ... The symptoms after the hormonal IUD are only transient and nothing to worry about.

The IUD is a highly effective and long-lasting method of birth control, and is used as a maintenance treatment in some cases.