Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement Treatment

Intrauterine device placement is an effective contraceptive option to prevent pregnancy and ovulation in females. It is also called a birth control device that has a T-shaped structure. A gynaecologist puts this small plastic device into your uterus through the vagina. It helps to prevent pregnancy for a long duration until you desire to become pregnant.  

Types of Intrauterine Device

It is of two types, which are as follows:

• Hormonal: It is a levonorgestrel IUD, which may have long-term and short-term forms to prevent pregnancy. After putting it into the uterus releases female hormone that thickens the lining of the uterus and prevents sperm from reaching the fertilized eggs. 
• Nonhormonal: It is also called copper IUD, which is a thin wire of copper that wraps the T-shaped device. It releases the copper in the uterus slowly to prevent pregnancy. It is a cost-effective option for females and can be used for up to 10 years. It may be an alternative option to hormonal IUD.

Benefits of IUD Placement

• Reduce the rate of abortion.
• Prevent unplanned pregnancy.
• It has a long-lasting effect.
• It can be easily removed if you plan to get pregnant.
• Its success rate is about 99%.
• No need to take birth control pills.
• Any medications do not alter its working.
• Pregnancy can be delayed for many years.

Procedure of Intrauterine Device Placement

The copper and hormonal IUDs work the same in preventing pregnancy. It is because the release of hormones inhibits sperm from reaching the uterus. Its usage is advised by your doctor depending on the individual’s age and medical condition. Many branded devices are based on their time duration. Its procedure is performed in such a way:

Before the IUD Placement

If you want to opt for an IUD, then a doctor will run a pregnancy test, sexually transmitted infection and physical examination, which is along with counselling. Pain-relieving medicine is given to an individual to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

Insertion of the IUD

It involves the following steps:

• Doctors will ask a patient to lie on an examination table with widely opened legs for pelvic examination.
• The cervix will be cleaned before the process, and sometimes, healthcare providers can numb the area to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
• Now the doctor will open up your vagina with the use of the speculum.
• A sterilized packet of the IUD is carefully inserted into the uterus.
• After placing it properly, its strings get trimmed to an appropriate length. It is because a woman can check its presence and it can be easily removed in the future.
• After the Procedure

Women can feel mild discomfort, pain, and light bleeding and spotting, which remain for a while and go away in a short duration. A healthcare expert will avoid intercourse for a few days and follow up with  regular check-ups to make sure that the IUD is properly placed.

Risks and Complications with the IUD Placement Treatment

Placing this device into the uterus may cause some serious complications. These are mentioned below:

• Infection
• Difficulty in pregnancy
• Failure of the IUD
• Allergic reaction due to the equipment
• Damage to the womb
• Pain
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Painful insertion
• Hole in the wall of the gastrointestinal

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

After placing this device, the patient may experience bleeding from the vagina and pain for a few days. The body takes some time to get used to the IUD. Your doctor will advise when you can go back to your normal routine and work after the procedure.