Many options exist for birth control, so how do you choose? Effectiveness is vital in picking the right choice, but they’re only effective if you use them correctly. Remembering to take a pill daily isn’t for everyone.
If you’re looking for an effective, worry-free option, an intrauterine device (IUD) may be what you need. Dr. Darin L. Weyrich provides various types of contraception, including IUDs, in Boise, Idaho.
An IUD is an excellent birth control option for many women. It takes the guesswork out of remembering to take birth control daily or in the moment. An IUD offers several advantages, including:
The copper IUD begins preventing pregnancy as soon as we put it in. You can also use it for emergency contraception after unprotected sex.
Each type of IUD lasts for different amounts of time, with the copper option lasting up to 10 years. That's 10 years that you don't have to remember to take a pill while effectively preventing pregnancy.
The hormonal options last three to eight years, depending on the specific brand.
According to the National Library of Medicine, both types of IUDs also decrease the risk of getting cervical cancer. Copper IUDs may also prevent endometrial or uterine cancers.
The IUD is great for women who still want to have kids because you can get pregnant almost immediately after you remove it. You can begin trying to have a baby as soon as either type of IUD comes out.
Women with painful menstruation or heavy bleeding benefit from the hormonal IUD. Progestin eliminates painful cramping, PCOS symptoms, and long or heavy cycles. Some women stop getting their period with a hormonal IUD.
The most significant advantage of the IUD is its convenience. It works until we take it out or it expires, meaning no monthly pharmacy orders and zero pills to remember to take daily.
Just like the pill, the IUD is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Both copper and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy through different means. The copper IUD acts as a spermicide, while the hormonal IUD thickens cervical mucus and prevents ovulation.
The best part is that you get the effectiveness without doing anything other than the insertion process at our office. Once in, the copper IUD works immediately, while the hormonal IUD takes up to seven days for optimal pregnancy prevention.
Choosing an IUD comes down to two options: copper and hormonal. We help you decide which option is best for your needs.
You may choose the copper IUD if you don’t want hormonal contraception but still want the carefree effectiveness of an IUD. It’s also a good choice if you don’t have any issues like PCOS, endometriosis, or uncomfortable period symptoms.
The copper IUD is also a great option if you’re not looking to have kids soon or at all since it lasts 10 years.
The hormonal IUD may be a better option if you have severe cramping or other menstrual symptoms and problems. It doesn’t last as long as the copper IUD and is an excellent option for birth control if you still want to grow your family.
We provide all the information you need to choose which IUD is best for your menstrual and fertility needs.
Call Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, in Boise, Idaho, or book online to schedule an appointment for IUD contraception.
