An Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s put into your womb (uterus) by a qualified health care professional.
There are two available types of Intra Uterine Devices here in Kenya:
- Copper IUD
- Hormonal IUD(sold as Mirena)
The hormonal Intra Uterine Device contains the hormone levonogesterol.
It prevents pregnancy for a period of five years
Works by thickening the cervical mucus thus preventing the sperms from reaching the ovum
It also thins the inner lining of the uterus thus reducing the chances of an egg attaching to it.
Copper IUD is the most commonly used Intra Uterine Device in Kenya.
It is also commonly referred to as a coil.
How does Copper Intra Uterine Device
Work?
- It releases copper into the uterus/womb which destroys the sperms
- It thins the inner lining of the uterus thus reducing the chances of an egg attaching to it.
- It also thickens the cervical mucus thus preventing the sperms from reaching the ovum.
Copper Intra Uterine Device protects against pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Facts about the Intra Uterine Device
- When inserted correctly, Intra Uterine Devices are 99% effective.
- Copper Intra Uterine Device prevents against pregnancy for up to 10 years.
- Once an Intra Uterine Device has been fitted, you may be advised to get it checked by a heath care provider after 3 to 6 weeks to make sure everything is fine.
- If you or your partner are at risk of getting an STI, make sure you get treated as this can lead to an infection in the pelvis.
- It is easy and convenient in that once it’s inserted correctly one may not need to worry about conceiving.
- It’s private in that only the person using it knows that they have it.
- Most effective form of emergency contraception in that it can stop a fertilized egg from being able to implant itself.
- It’s safe to use an Intra Uterine Device if you’re breastfeeding
- An Intra Uterine Device works as soon as it’s put in and lasts for up to 10 years, depending on the type.
- It can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant.
- It is reversible in that it can be taken out at any time when need arises by a trained medical personnel.
- Return to fertility is immediate in that it’s possible to get pregnant straight away after its removal
- It’s a long term method with no interruptions.
Disadvantages of using an Intra Uterine Device
- There is a risk of getting an ectopic pregnancy in case you get pregnant while using the Intra Uterine Device
- Periods can be heavier, longer or more painful in the first 3 to 6 months after an Intra Uterine Device is put in, some people may need to have it removed due to the heavy bleeding.
- One may experience spotting or bleeding in between periods as well as irregular menses.
- There’s a small risk of getting an infection after it’s been fitted.
- There’s a small risk that the body may expel the Intra Uterine Device or it may move. Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check if it’s in place.
- It can be uncomfortable when the Intra Uterine Device is put in, however, the discomfort normally goes away after sometime.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.
- In rare cases, it may penetrate the uterine wall requiring surgery to remove it.
- There’s a small chance that the IUD can be rejected (expelled) by the womb or it can move (displacement).
You should not use an Intra Uterine Device (IUD) if you:
- Are allergic to copper(you should not use the copper Intra Uterine Device)
- Have sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or a pelvic inflammatory disease(PID)
- Have an abnormally shaped uterus
- Have genital cancer
- Have an unusual vaginal bleeding
How to tell if it’s still in place
An Intra Uterine Device has 2 thin threads that hang down a little way from your womb into the top of your vagina.
Check if your Intra Uterine Device is in place a few times in the first month and then after each period, or at regular intervals.
It’s very unlikely that your Intra Uterine Device will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads or think it’s moved, you may not be protected against pregnancy.
Your partner should not be able to feel your Intra Uterine Device during intercourse. If they do, visit a health care provider for a check-up.
You can reach out to us on https://hellodaktari.co.ke and book an appointment with us and we shall be able to advise you accordingly on any matter concerning health.