The Many Benefits Of Iuds
- Theyre long-acting. Depending on the type, IUDs are FDA-approved to last anywhere from three to 10 years.
- Theyre more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, a figure similar to permanent sterilization.
- You can have an IUD taken out any time and your fertility returns immediately.
- Hormonal IUD use often leads to lighter, shorter, less painful periods, which is why theyre prescribed for women who have heavy, painful periods. Up to half of women even stop having their periods altogether after three years on Mirena, though this percentage is lower with other hormonal IUDs, says Dr. Brant.
- Theres minimal effort required, an added bonus if youre forgetful about birth control. You just have to make that initial appointment to get it inserted.
- They can be used in any age population, from teens to menopausal women.
- Research shows that hormonal IUDs may reduce your risk of developing endometrial cancer.
- They can be inserted right after you give birth, though this does increase the risk of expulsion.
- The copper IUD can be safely used for emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex or birth control failure.
Bringing Evidence To Practice
Topical 13.9% eflornithine cream is used as monotherapy for mild facial hirsutism or as an adjunct to other pharmacologic therapies along with nonpharmacologic measures.
The complex interplay of estrogens and progestins contributes to the variable effects of OCPs on hirsutism. Low-dose OCPs containing a neutral progestin, such as desogestrel and norgestimate, or an antiandrogen, such as cyproterone acetate and the spironolactone derivative drospirenone, are considered first-line therapy for hirsutism.
-
In a randomized clinical trial of healthy women of childbearing age, 45 women received a third-generation OCP and 46 received a second-generation OCP . After 6 months of therapy, the group taking the third-generation OCP had significant reduction in the severity of hirsutism and acne without significant weight change compared with those taking the second-generation OCP .
-
Other contraceptives that contain cyproterone acetate or drospirenone have similar efficacy in treating hirsutism. There is also some weak, indirect evidence suggesting that they might be slightly more effective than OCPs with neutral progestins.,
Recommended Reading: When To Take Finasteride For Hair Loss
The Health Risks And Side Effects Of The Iud
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease a bacterial infection that may cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy or constant pelvic pain. In serious cases a hysterectomy is needed.
- May cause ovarian cysts which may go away on their own or may need to be surgically removed.
- Embedment this is when the IUD attaches to the uterine wall. Surgery may be needed for removal.
- Perforation the IUD may go through the uterine wall. This may cause scarring, infection or damage to other organs.
- Ectopic pregnancy this is where the fertilized egg implants on the fallopian tubes when the IUD fails.
- Expulsion about 10 out of 100 IUDs are pushed out . This requires frequent checking of the device to ensure its placement and therefore protection from pregnancy.
Mirena Hormonal IUD Specific Risks/Side Effects:
- Irregular bleeding or periods, or absence of periodVaginal dryness, flushing, headache, nausea and acne
- Weight change, hirsutism , mood changes, skin discoloration and breast tenderness
- Lower back pain
- May cause weight gain, acne and breast tenderness
History of Contraception
Read Also: What Hairstyle Is Best For Thin Hair
Copper Overload And Depression
Postpartum depression and psychosis are directly connected to elevated levels of copper, especially with multiple births because copper levels increase with each pregnancy and often do not go back to normal post-birth. When I hear about women drowning their children, committing suicide, or shooting their husbands, I wonder if monitoring their copper levels would have helped prevent such sad stories. Additionally, copper is a major player in ADHD/ADD, Alzheimers disease, autism, hyperactivity bipolar disorders, fibromyalgia, and paranoid schizophrenia.
How Long Will Hair Take To Regrow After Removing Mirena
In a study, 5 women of different ages with alopecia who had used Mirena were analyzed. The conclusions were :
- Two women who were aged 39 recovered after Mirena was discontinued for four months
- One woman aged 33 did not recover even after the withdrawal of Mirena
- The results of two other patients were not known
This does tell us that the possibility of hair regrowth in women with Mirena removed could depend on various other factors. More research is warranted in this regard. Consult your doctor for more details on the same.
You May Like: What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Hair Loss
The Copper Iud Is Hormone
Since the copper IUD doesnt contain hormones, you can use it in situations where other kinds of birth control may not be a fit. For instance, it might be a good choice for breastfeeding people, Taraneh Shirazian, M.D., assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, tells SELF. This is because theres a slight chance that estrogen, which is in forms of combined hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, and ring, may impact your milk supply, according to the ACOG.
Due to its lack of estrogen, the copper IUD may also offer an advantage for some people who have health conditions that can get worse when exposed to this hormone, such as people with a history of blood clots, or high blood pressure , Dr. Shirazian says.
If youre not able to tolerate hormones for some reason, definitely mention that to your doctor when trying to find which type of IUD is right for you.
But There Are Potential Cons Too
- The insertion procedure can be mildly to moderately painful. I recommend that people take ibuprofen beforehand, says Dr. Brant. It doesnt actually help with the pain during the insertion, but it does help with the cramping afterward.
- With either type, during the first few months, you may experience irregular bleeding and/or cramping. You can continue to take 600 to 800 mg of ibuprofen every six to eight hours for this as well, Dr. Brant says. (NOTE: If the pain persists or gets worse and ibuprofen isnt cutting it, and/or youre soaking through a pad or more an hour, youll need to see your doctor right away.
- Irregular bleeding and/or cramping that hasnt gone away after three months may result in your doctor putting you on ibuprofen for one to three months to alleviate pain and decrease bleeding or temporarily prescribing birth control pills to help regulate your cycle.
- If you do get pregnant with an IUD , your risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher.
- Youll need to see your doctor for another procedure to get the IUD taken out.
- An IUD isnt recommended if you have an abnormally shaped uterus since placing it is more difficult and increases the risk of perforation.
Don’t Miss: Does Herceptin Cause Hair Loss
If Youre Interested In Joining The Copper Iud Club You Should Talk To Your Doctor
This list is full of useful information, but it could seem like theres so much to take in when it comes to copper IUDs and the other birth control methods at your disposal. Options are a great thing, but it can also be hard to figure out your needs against everything thats available to you. If you have questions or your head is spinning, you dont have to go it alonethats what doctors are for. Or, if you have nary a question and are just really excited to get that thing in there, well, thats what doctors are for too.
Related:
How Soon After Having Paragard Placed Can I Have Sex
You can have sex as soon as youre comfortable doing so after having Paragard placed.
Paragard is effective in preventing pregnancy immediately after being placed in your uterus. It starts working as birth control as soon as its inserted.
But keep in mind that you may have cramps or pain after Paragard insertion. And you may continue to have cramps for a short time after Paragard has been inserted. Painful sex is also a possible side effect of Paragard.
If you or your partner experience pain or discomfort during sex after Paragard has been inserted, talk with your doctor. Theyll likely give you an exam to make sure the device is correctly positioned in your uterus.
You May Like: Can You Do Hair Transplant On Thinning Hair
What Is An Iud
An IUD is a tiny, T-shaped polyethylene device that is wrapped in copper, or contains hormones. It inserted by a doctor directly into the uterus without sedation or anesthesia although some women may feel faint, nauseated or dizzy for a few minutes during, or immediately after, placement. IUDs can be removed either at the end of its life-span or sooner if the patient wishes to discontinue contraception. The cost of an IUD typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.
There are two types of IUDs available for you to choose from:
For removal of IUD the doctor applies gentle traction on the threads of IUD extending outside the cervix, in which the arms of the IUD folds upward and the device slides out of uterine cavity.
Since the copper IUD and hormone IUD work differently, lets examine each separately.
ParaGuard Copper IUD: it works primarily by preventing the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. If sperm cannot join with an egg, pregnancy cannot happen. This sterile foreign body reacts with the uterus causing biochemical and cellular changes that may be toxic to the sperm. Secondly, copper is released in the uterus, which acts as a spermicidal or cytotoxin .
What Happens If I Get Pregnant While Im Using An Iud
If you become pregnant while you are using an IUD, it is important that you see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible and have the IUD removed. The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a pregnancy in your fallopian tubes .
If the IUD is removed, you can choose to continue or terminate the pregnancy . If the IUD is not removed and you continue with the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of losing the pregnancy or delivering the baby early.
You May Like: How To Treat Lupus Hair Loss
The Copper Iud Doesnt Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections
When it comes to birth control, only internal and external condoms can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. If youre using the copper IUD and are at risk for STIs , youll still need to use some form of protection like condoms or dental dams. You should also get tested regularly. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations for your STI screening schedule, depending on your circumstances.
Other Types Of Contraception
There are many contraceptive methods available in Australia. When choosing the method of contraception that best suits you, it can help to talk to a doctor or nurse about your options. Different methods may suit you at different times in your life. A doctor or nurse can give you information about:
- the benefits and risks of using various methods of contraception
- how well each method works
- the possible risks and side effects
- how easy it is to use
- how much it costs
- how each method meets your current and future needs.
Other methods include the contraceptive implant or injection, the vaginal ring or the combined oral contraceptive pill.
Recommended Reading: Can Xiidra Cause Hair Loss
The Copper Iud Effectiveness Is Seriously Impressive
The copper IUD is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. A 2017 literature review published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health looked at birth control failure rates between 2006 and 2010 and found that IUDs, both hormonal and nonhormonal, have the lowest failure rate of all contraceptive methods. Additionally, earlier research from 2011 shows that the copper IUD fails just 0.8% of the time. That boils down to fewer than one out of 100 women getting pregnant in the first year of using the copper IUD, which is a pretty excellent success rate.
It makes sense when you think about it. Unlike birth control methods like the pill, you dont actually have to do anything with your copper IUD besides getting it inserted , so the opportunities for user error go way down.
Hormonal Iud Vs Copper Iud For Birth Control
If youre considering getting an IUD, the first choice you have to make is to choose between its two types. Are you going to opt for a hormonal IUD or a copper IUD?
Both types are small, T-shaped devices only a nurse or doctor can insert into the uterus. Both are also equally safe and effective at preventing pregnancy but they work differently to fulfill this purpose.
The hormonal IUD uses a hormone called progestin and releases it into your body. One of the most popular hormonal IUDs in the market is Mirena.
Hormonal IUDs keep you from being pregnant by thickening the mucus in your cervical canal. That way, the sperm cant get through the uterus and will not be able to reach the egg.
Meanwhile, the copper IUD is non-hormonal. It doesnt make use of hormones. Instead, it prevents pregnancy with the copper ions released through the copper wire wrapped around it. The copper is toxic to sperm and deactivates it. The only copper IUD approved for sale in the United States is Paragard.
But despite being popular among women, the Paragard IUD has already been named in several lawsuits filed in the court.
You read that right.
Plaintiffs in the Paragard lawsuits allege that the device is prone to breakage, resulting in dangerous side effects such as the IUD perforating the uterus which requires surgical removal. Although complications from the use of an IUD are rare, they can still occur. Several side effects may be experienced by women after having an IUD inserted.
Recommended Reading: How To Repair Thinning Hair
Is Your Iud Causing Hair Loss
In 2018, the world is rich with options in every category from food to shopping, and even with dating and dogs . The same thing rings true for contraceptive methods. Though the pill and condoms remain the two most popular birth control methods, women who don’t want to procreate are increasingly looking toward more low-maintenance solutions. The IUD, or intrauterine device, is ideal for preventing pregnancy without having to remember to take a pill on the daily. Though it’s known to be highly effective and convenient, your IUD could be causing hair loss.
Read more: How Microneedling For Hair Loss Leads To A Head Full Of Healthy Hair
But even before looking at the side effects, it’s important to understand the different forms of an IUD, and the most popular choices: Paragard and Mirena.
According to Planned Parenthood, the ParaGard IUD doesnât have hormones. Instead, “Itâs wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years,â the company’s site says. While the Mirena âuses the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is very similar to the hormone progesterone that our bodies make naturally. Mirena works for up to seven years.â
Though the factors of hair loss are predetermined, patients should still discuss options with their respective doctors. But in the meantime, there are still several topical treatments and products that can help aide regrowth. See them ahead.