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The mysterious mechanism of IUD: How does it achieve a 99.8% contraceptive success rate?
In today's society, the choices of contraceptive measures are becoming more and more diverse. However, when it comes to long-term birth control, the intrauterine device (IUD) is undoubtedly one of the most popular options. This small, usually T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy and is incredibly effective, with a success rate of 99.8%.
How IUDs workCompared with other contraceptive methods, women who use IUDs are most satisfied with them, not only because of their long-lasting effectiveness, but also because of their convenience and safety.
The main function of an IUD is to prevent fertilization. With a hormonal IUD, the progestin released blocks sperm from entering the fallopian tubes primarily by thickening the cervical mucus. Copper IUDs, on the other hand, do not contain any hormones but do release copper ions, which are toxic to sperm, making them unable to survive.
More interestingly, it is possible to use the copper IUD as emergency contraception, but it must be used within five days of unprotected sex. While a copper IUD may cause heavier menstrual bleeding and more severe abdominal pain, a hormonal IUD may actually reduce menstrual bleeding.
Once the IUD is removed, a woman's fertility quickly returns to normal levels, even with long-term use.
Types of IUDs
The types and names of IUDs vary depending on where you live. In the United States, there are two main types of IUDs available: copper IUDs (such as ParaGard) and hormonal IUDs (such as Mirena). The failure rate of the former is about 0.8%, while that of the latter is 0.2%. The two types of IUDs have different advantages and disadvantages.
Non-hormonal IUD
Most copper IUDs are made of a T-shaped frame and wrapped with pure copper wire, which can play a significant role in preventing pregnancy. It works by increasing copper ion concentrations in the uterus and fallopian tubes, interfering with the movement and viability of sperm.
Hormonal IUD
Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of levonorgestrel (a progestin), which is primarily used to make the environment in the uterus inhospitable to sperm and help reduce menstrual flow. This makes the hormonal IUD an option for treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
Side Effects and Risks
While IUDs are safe to use, there are some potential side effects, whether it is a copper IUD or a hormonal IUD. These side effects include changes in menstrual periods, rejection, and in rare cases, uterine perforation.
According to the U.S. CDC, the benefits of IUDs generally outweigh the risks, and it is recommended that young women and women who have never given birth use IUDs with extreme caution.
IUD insertion and removal
The IUD insertion process may cause varying degrees of pain. Some women report feeling a dull pain during the procedure, while others report no pain at all. A professional doctor usually uses a dilator to stabilize the cervix and then inserts the IUD into the uterus.
History
The use of IUD can be traced back to the early 20th century. Early IUD designs had a higher risk of infection. The emergence of the Lippes Loop in the 1950s marked a major advancement in IUD design, and subsequent copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs further optimized the safety and effectiveness of this contraceptive method.
SummaryThe emergence of IUD is not only an important contribution to women's reproductive choices, but also widely accepted and trusted because of its high efficacy and long-term treatment. Whether women are considering long-term contraception or need emergency contraception, IUD is an option worth considering. This makes us think: When choosing a contraceptive method, how can women make the most suitable decision based on their own situation?
