Side Effects Of IUD

To spare themselves the mundane routine of buying condoms or birth control pills, some find it more logical to employ an IUD (Intrauterine Device). A reversible method of birth control, IUDs intend to obstruct unwanted pregnancies. General Statistics reveal that there exist 1 out of 100 chances of pregnancy despite IUD installations. Yet, they are more effective in comparison to other contraceptives and are the next best alternative to absolute abstinence!

IUDs are T-shaped and come in plastic frames with attached threads. Placed inside the uterus, IUDs are convolutedly designed to cordon off sperms from accessing the fallopian tubes. As a result, fertilization of an egg and sperm into an embryo is prevented. There exist two types of IUDS - Mirena IUD which releases hormones progestin, and ParaGard IUD which is wrapped in copper filaments.

Copper from the ParaGard IUD poisons the sperm in the cervical mucus while progestin from the Mirena IUD impedes sperm movement and temporarily renders the uterus incapable of conception Although IUDs appear to be convenient, women need to think twice before hopping onto a clinic bed. As you measure the pros and cons of this insertion, do not overlook the important side effects. Below are some of the recurrent side effects borne by women who have used or are using IUDs.

Side Effects Of Intrauterine Devices

When IUDs are first inserted, painful cramping of the lower abdomen or lower back is one of the most common side effects. This is accompanied by dizziness and excessive spotting.
Cysts on the ovaries are often manifested by Mirena IUDs. These cysts disappear with passage of time, but the danger lies in the possible disruption of one’s menstrual cycle.
Most women experience irregular bleeding post IUD. Their menstrual flow rapidly increases by 50- 75 %. The pain one endures during the expected quota of a menstrual cycle is bad enough! It is therefore suggested that one seeks appropriate counsel from a physician before using IUDs.
One should not belittle the hazard of infection during the IUD insertion. What if the uterus gets exposed to bacteria at this time? Though chances are minimal, they however do exist! These infections spread within weeks and require quick treatment.
Few instances have proven that the IUD can puncture the uterus wall. This glitch isn’t easy to detect. Without detection, there is no scope for its very urgent removal! Such an intrusion damages other vital organs, suggesting serious repercussions.
Especially amongst teenagers and women who haven’t yet given birth, cases of IUDs slipping out of uteruses occur. This poses as a threat as many women may not be aware of the slippage and get pregnant in the process.
ParaGard IUD effectively averts pregnancy 99.2 % - 99.4 % of the time while the Mirena IUD has a cleaner record of 99.9%. But what happens when you fall in the lower limit? Impregnated women using IUDs are at risk of enduring ectopic pregnancies. Typical signs include shoulder aches, abrupt fainting and weakness. Ectopic pregnancies threaten the mother and child’s lives and demand pressing attention.
Apart from ectopic pregnancies, the IUDs give rise to several other unfavourable consequences. Some of which are development of risky pelvic infections, increased rate of miscarriages, untimely deliveries and imperfect babies.
Both IUDs amplify chances of getting hold of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) invading the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, PID causes painful sex and urination, unusual vaginal discharge and variable menstrual flow.
Wearing an IUD doesn’t safeguard you from contracting ‘sexually transmitted diseases’. So beware!

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