IUDs: Minimal Maintenance, Maximal Protection

Women who don’t want to take a pill every day, use a patch or take a timeout for contraception during intimacy may want to consider an IUD.“Women have so many options today,”.

“I would encourage women to consider their lifestyle and desire for family planning and then talk to their doctor about contraception,”.  “Mirena is recommended for women who have had at least one child, but only you and your doctor can decide if it’s right for you.”

The Mirena® IUD is a “T”-shaped, soft plastic intrauterine device that regularly delivers a small amount of hormone in the uterus for up to five years. It is 99 percent effective – more dependable than taking the pill. But among women who want to conceive and have it removed, 80 percent are pregnant within a year.

It can also be used to treat heavy periods for women who choose an IUD.

Women who don’t want to or can’t use hormones may want to consider the ParaGard® IUD. Its plastic construction is similar to the Mirena, but ParaGard is wrapped in natural copper to prevent conception rather than emitting a hormone. Another difference is that it lasts for 10 years, twice as long as Mirena.

ParaGard is like the five-year IUD in that it is more effective at preventing conception than the pill. Both can be inserted by your doctor during an office visit.

“Only you and your doctor can determine if an IUD is right for you and which is best. If an IUD is something you’d like to consider for birth control, be sure to bring it up with your WHMC physician, who can discuss the pros and cons as well as any possible side effects.”

For an appointment with a WHMC physician to discuss your options, call 248.932.9223

Similar Posts

  • Living with Endometriosis

    Approximately 176 million women across the world are affected by endometriosis, including an estimated one in 10 women and girls in the United States. This condition can be very painful. It occurs when tissue that is usually inside the uterus, or endometrium, grows on the outside. It usually involves the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and tissue…

  • Endometriosis

    Endometriosis affects 176 million women across the globe. This condition occurs when tissue that normally grows on the inside of the uterus forms on the outside. It’s usually located on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and around the uterus. The Symptoms of Endometriosis Every woman with endometriosis may experience a different set of symptoms. Some report…

  • Menopause and Your Diet

    While you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, eating a healthy diet may be the least of your concerns. As your estrogen levels decrease, your metabolism may slow down, causing unexpected weight gain. Prioritizing a healthy diet can help with your symptoms and keep your mind and body on the right track. A decrease in estrogen…

  • Cervical Cancer Awareness

    Cervical Cancer can be significantly reduced with the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and appropriate Pap smear screenings to collect cells from your cervix for testing. CDC guidelines recommend regular screenings beginning at age 21. Screenings, including the Pap test and HPV test. Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield for an appointment.