- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Intrauterine Devices
An intrauterine device is a coil made of plastic and copper that is inserted inside the womb to prevent sperm from entering. It is extremely effective, as it creates a solid physical barrier into the uterus. It is a method of contraception that may not be appropriate for everyone, so it is recommended that one should consult her local GP or gynaecologist before making this decision to use an intrauterine device. Also, a trained specialist must actually fit the coil, but it can stay in for up to ten years and remain effective.
Aside from being an effective barrier contraceptive, an intrauterine device also kills sperm entering the vagina. It slowly releases copper into the body of the woman using it, which in turn increases the number of white blood cells in the entire body, including the uterus. These white blood cells attack the sperm upon entering the uterus, and render them useless. This is perhaps the main reason for the effectiveness of this form of contraceptive, as it has a success rate of almost 100%.
If someone is considering using an intrauterine device, she must have her uterus examined to check the size of device required. The process of placing the device can be mildly painful, as it requires a slight stretching of the opening of the uterus. Women who have given birth may experience less discomfort, but those who haven’t may want to have a local anaesthetic to numb the area. After this, the woman may experience slight bleeding and period-like cramping for a short period of time as her body becomes accustomed to the intrauterine device. A check up must be scheduled for a month after placing the device, and then annually to ensure it is working correctly and has not moved.
An intrauterine device can be a very effective form of contraception for many women, as it lasts a long time and has a high success rate. However, there are always risks of complications.
Women using this device may be more prone to infections of the pelvis, and the device can sometimes be pushed out of the womb. There is a small thread from the device that enters the vagina so it can be checked regularly to ensure it hasn’t moved. Also this device doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections like a condom for example, therefore it is not recommended for women with multiple sexual partners.