Implants and IUD’s
How They Work
Implants and intrauterine devices* are commonly called IUDs. An IUD is a small device that is placed into the uterus by a medical professional to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs work by releasing small amounts of hormones into a woman’s body.
What Happens
These hormones cause cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it. These hormones can also prevent a woman’s body from releasing an egg. If there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize, there can be no pregnancy.
Non-hormonal IUDs (copper IUDs) prevent pregnancy by releasing copper into the body and causing the body to produce copper. Copper is toxic to sperm and makes it difficult for the sperm to move towards an egg for fertilization. If the sperm don’t reach the egg, there can be no pregnancy.
YES
Cost
99%
Effectiveness
YES
Side Effects
Possible Side Effects of IUD’s:
*Bleeding/Spotting
*Breast tenderness
*Headaches
*Nausea
*Swelling
*Pelvic Pain
*Acne
*Ovarian Cysts (small sacs of fluid that form in the ovaries)
*Risk of ectopic pregnancy (when, instead of inside the uterus, a fertilized egg attaches somewhere outside of it)
References
*https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322655.php
Possible Complications
Expulsion
This happens when the IUD falls out of the uterus.
Uterine Perforation
This happens when the IUD punctures the wall of the uterus, which can cause severe bleeding and infection.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
An infection in the uterus caused by bacteria that’s brought into the uterus when the IUD is inserted.
