You have a lot of great options when it comes to birth control. For many women, an intrauterine device (IUD) is the preferred method. But there are different types of IUDs to choose from, and many women wonder which approach is right for them.
At Interior Women’s Health, we take the time to truly get to know the women in our care. If you reside in or around Fairbanks, Alaska, and are considering trying a new form of birth control, we are happy to sit down with you and discuss your needs and goals.
Let’s explore the differences between hormonal and copper IUDs, both of which are outstanding ways to reduce your risk of unwanted pregnancy.
All IUDs are placed within your uterus during an office visit. They are not a form of birth control that you can administer on your own, but it doesn’t take long to have one placed in our office.
IUDs are small devices that are shaped somewhat like a tiny anchor. They are positioned within your uterus through your cervix. Once in place, you can expect to get many years of protection from your IUD.
Unlike pills, patches, sponges, condoms, and diaphragms, an IUD requires no ongoing effort on your part. You don’t have to keep track of a schedule or make sure you have your chosen birth control device on hand when it’s time to be intimate.
The ability to prevent pregnancy for long periods of time is one of the reasons why women choose IUDs. Other than the office visit to have your IUD placed (and one eventually to have it removed or replaced), you don’t have to do anything else to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
It’s important to note that an IUD does nothing to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. If you aren’t in a mutually monogamous relationship, condoms are still the best bet for reducing your risk of STDs.
Both types of IUD create effects that are totally reversible. If you decide you’re ready to become pregnant, simply come in to our office to have your IUD removed. Your body’s natural fertility returns in a very short period of time.
There are several different brands of hormonal IUDs. All carry a synthetic hormone called progestin that’s released gradually over a long period of time. Progestin works to reduce the risk of pregnancy in three ways.
First, it thickens your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach your eggs. Second, it triggers your body to thin your uterine lining, so a fertilized egg cannot easily implant. And third, progestin prevents ovulation, so that eggs don’t leave your ovaries and are therefore unavailable to be fertilized.
In addition to providing excellent protection against unwanted pregnancy, hormonal IUDs are also a great treatment option for women who have a gynecologic condition that would benefit from supplemental hormones.
Examples include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, and painful periods.
Copper IUDs are also great for preventing unwanted pregnancy, but they achieve this goal in a different way. Instead of altering the balance of your natural hormones, copper IUDs change the way sperm move, making it very difficult for sperm to reach your eggs.
Copper also has a natural spermicide effect, creating a uterine environment that is inhospitable to sperm. These IUDs prompt your body to create an inflammatory response that makes implantation of a fertilized egg very unlikely.
Many women are not good candidates for hormonal birth control. If you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or a history of certain cancers, hormonal options are not a good fit, and a copper IUD might be a great option.
Some women experience disruptive side effects from hormone-based birth control. But many women choose copper IUDs simply because they don’t want to manipulate their natural hormone levels.
If you’re considering your options, the best way to find the right birth control method is by partnering with one of our caring and compassionate women’s health specialists. You can schedule your visit to Interior Women’s Health with a quick phone call, and we also offer online booking.
