Intrauterine Devices: A Contraceptive Option for Safe and Effective Family Planning

Summary:
– An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into the womb to prevent pregnancy.
– When inserted correctly, IUDs are over 99% effective and can last for 5 to 10 years.
– IUDs can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle if the person is not pregnant.
– IUDs can be removed at any time by a trained medical professional.
– Side effects can include heavier, longer, or more painful periods, spotting or bleeding between periods, and a small risk of infection.
– The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so additional protection may be needed.
– The copper in the IUD alters cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg.
– IUDs can be left in place until menopause or when contraception is no longer needed for those over 40 years old.
– Before insertion, a GP or nurse will check the position and size of the womb and may test for existing infections.
– The fitting process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with the IUD being inserted through the cervix into the womb.
– Local anesthesia can be used to minimize discomfort during insertion.
– After having an IUD fitted, period-type cramps and bleeding may occur for a few days.
– A GP may recommend checking the IUD after 3 to 6 weeks.
– If there are any problems or if removal is desired, the GP should be consulted.
– If there is a risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI), it may lead to an infection in the pelvis and should be addressed with a GP.
– IUDs have two thin threads that can be checked by the user to make sure it is still in place.
– If the threads cannot be felt or if the IUD has moved, there may be a risk of pregnancy, and additional contraception should be used until checked by a GP.
– If the partner can feel the IUD during sex, a check-up should be scheduled.
– Additional contraception should be used for 7 days before IUD removal if not replacing the IUD.
– Most individuals with a womb can use an IUD, with exceptions for those who may be pregnant, have untreated STIs or pelvic infections, have womb or cervix issues, or experience unexplained bleeding.
– People who have had an ectopic pregnancy or have an artificial heart valve should consult their GP before getting an IUD.
– IUDs can usually be fitted 4 weeks after giving birth, and alternative contraception should be used until then.
– IUDs have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
– IUDs can be obtained for free from contraception clinics, sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, GP surgeries, and some young people’s services.
– Contraception services are free and confidential for people under 16.
– Healthcare professionals will not inform parents or caregivers if under 16 seeking contraception, as long as they believe the person fully understands the information and decisions being made.
– Professionals may only disclose information if they believe the individual is at risk of harm, such as abuse.
– An IUD can last between 5 to 10 years, depending on the type.
– Periods may become heavier, longer, or more painful in the first 3 to 6 months after insertion.
– Spotting or bleeding between periods may occur.
– There is a small risk of infection or expulsion of the IUD.
– Previous pelvic infections may make IUDs unsuitable.
– IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
– IUDs release copper into the womb, which alters cervical mucus and makes it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and implant itself.
– Before insertion, a GP or nurse will check the position and size of the womb and test for existing infections.
– The appointment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with fitting taking no longer than 5 minutes.
– IUD insertion can be uncomfortable or painful, but local anesthesia can be used to help.
– Painkillers can be taken after insertion if needed.
– There is a small chance of getting thrush that keeps coming back after having an IUD fitted.
– If the IUD fails and a woman becomes pregnant, there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
– IUDs can be obtained for free from contraception clinics, sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, GP surgeries, and some young people’s services.
– Contraception services are free and confidential for people under 16.
– Healthcare professionals will not inform parents or carers about a person under 16 seeking contraception, as long as they believe the person understands the information and decisions being made.
– Professionals may disclose information if they believe the person is at risk of harm, such as abuse.

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Contraceptive agents: Their Types, Usage, and Effectiveness

– Etonogestrel: long-acting synthetic progestin contraceptive used in rings and implants
– Desogestrel: synthetic progestin used in contraception with ethinyl estradiol
– Megestrol acetate: progestin used orally for anorexia, weight loss, and as anticancer agent
– Levonorgestrel: progestin found in oral and IUD contraceptives, emergency contraceptives
– Medroxyprogesterone acetate: progestin used in contraception, amenorrhea, endometriosis, cancer treatment
– Norethisterone: synthetic progestin used for contraception, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis
– Ethynodiol diacetate: oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy
– Mifepristone: cortisol receptor blocker used for Cushing’s syndrome and pregnancy termination
– Norgestimate: progesterone used as contraceptive and acne treatment
– Dienogest: oral progestin used for endometriosis treatment and contraception
– Norgestrienone: not annotated
– Estradiol cypionate: estradiol prodrug used for vasomotor symptoms and hypoestrogenisms
– Ormeloxifene: selective estrogen receptor modulator used as non-hormonal contraceptive
– Diethylstilbestrol: used in prostate cancer treatment and prevention of miscarriage
– Cyproterone acetate: used with ethinyl estradiol for severe acne and androgenization symptoms
– Drospirenone: progestin used in oral contraceptive pills
– Hydroxyprogesterone caproate: synthetic progestin to prevent preterm births in women with previous history
– Nomegestrol acetate: used in oral contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapy, treatment of gynecological disorders
– Quingestanol: no annotations or information provided
– Ethinylestradiol: used as a contraceptive
– Ulipristal: selective progesterone receptor modulator used for emergency contraception
– Estradiol valerate: prodrug used for menopause symptoms, hypoestrogenism, prostate cancer treatment, endometriosis, contraception
– Mestranol: synthetic estradiol used in oral contraceptive pills
– Demegestone: progesterone receptor agonist previously used for luteal insufficiency
– Segesterone acetate: hormonal contraceptive to prevent pregnancy
– Norethindrone enanthate: synthetic progestogen used for contraceptive therapy
– Algestone acetophenide: progestin used as an injectable contraceptive in combination with an estrogen
– Chlormadinone acetate: progestin used in combination with an estrogen for birth control
– Ifidancitinib: under investigation for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

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IUD: Empowering Women’s Health Through Safe and Effective Birth Control

– An IUD is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
– When inserted correctly, IUDs are more than 99% effective.
– The IUD releases copper into the womb, altering cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive.
– It can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
– The IUD can be left in for between 5 and 10 years, depending on the type.
– It can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle as long as the person is not pregnant.
– It can be taken out at any time by a trained doctor or nurse, and pregnancy is possible immediately after removal.
– Side effects include potentially heavier, longer, or more painful periods in the first 3 to 6 months, as well as spotting or bleeding between periods.
– There is a small risk of infection or the IUD being pushed out or moved.
– Painkillers can be taken after insertion to manage discomfort.
– It may not be suitable for individuals with previous pelvic infections.
– The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so additional methods like condoms may be necessary.
– If an IUD is fitted at age 40 or older, it can be left in until menopause or no longer needing contraception.
– Before insertion, a healthcare professional will check the position and size of the womb and may test for infections and provide antibiotics.
– The fitting process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with the IUD insertion itself taking around 5 minutes. Local anesthesia can be used for comfort.
– After having an IUD fitted, you may experience period-type cramps and bleeding for a few days.
– It is advised to get the IUD checked by a GP after 3 to 6 weeks.
– Issues such as pain in the lower abdomen, high temperature, or abnormal discharge may indicate an infection.
– An IUD has two thin threads that hang down from the womb into the vagina, and they can be checked to ensure the IUD is in place.
– If the threads cannot be felt or if the IUD has moved, additional contraception should be used and a GP or nurse should be consulted.
– An IUD can be removed by a trained doctor or nurse at any time.
– Additional contraception should be used for 7 days before removing the IUD if not getting another one.
– Most people with a womb can use an IUD, but it may not be suitable for those who are pregnant, have an untreated STI, or have womb or cervix problems.
– Those who have had an ectopic pregnancy or have an artificial heart valve should consult their GP before getting an IUD.
– An IUD can usually be fitted 4 weeks after giving birth, and alternative contraception should be used until then.
– An IUD can be used immediately after giving birth, and it will not affect milk supply.
– An IUD can be fitted immediately after an abortion or miscarriage, providing immediate protection against pregnancy.
– Advantages of using an IUD include long-term pregnancy prevention (5 or 10 years depending on the type), immediate effectiveness, no hormonal side effects, and no interruption of sex.
– Disadvantages of using an IUD include the possibility of heavier, longer, or more painful periods, lack of protection against STIs requiring the use of additional condoms, potential for pelvic infections if not treated, and the possibility of vaginal bleeding and pain.
– Risks of using an IUD include a small chance of pelvic infection within 20 days of insertion, slightly higher chance of recurring thrush, potential rejection or displacement of the IUD by the womb, and rare cases of the IUD making a hole in the womb.
– If an IUD fails and pregnancy occurs, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy.
– An IUD can be obtained for free from contraception clinics, sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics, GP surgeries, and some young people’s services.
– Contraception services are free and confidential for individuals under the age of 16.
– If a person under 16 wants contraception, the healthcare professional will not inform their parents or carer as long as they believe the individual fully understands the information and decisions being made.
– Doctors and nurses only disclose information if they believe the individual is at risk of harm, such as abuse.

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