IUDs is one of the forms of a long – term contraception. These devices are tiny in size; they are made of flexible plastic, containing copper or some common synthetic hormone, which is usually used in contraceptives, taken orally. IUDs start to protect a woman from an unplanned pregnancy right after they get inserted by a doctor into the uterus.
IUDs usually affect the egg fertilization process. In other words, they do not leg an egg get fertilized. IUDs affect the way of the sperm or egg movement. Most likely they release some kind of substances which make sperm stagnant, or they may possibly make the egg move along the fallopian tube of a woman so fast, that it does not get fertilized. Up to now, scientists have not found out what is the reason of the IUDs work. The copper, contained in the ParaGard, increases effectiveness of the IUD in the following ways: it influences the enzymes, which are in the lining of an uterus, thus preventing the implantation process. In addition, the production of prostaglandins (these are hormones, which support pregnancy condition) are increased. The hormone, contained in the Mirena, also increases effectiveness by thickening cervical mucus, which provides the barrier, which does not let sperm get into the uterus. It is also aimed on affecting the lining of the uterus, by preventing the fertilized egg implantation into it.
 The IUDs are considered to be from 97.4 up to 99.2 percent effective contraception method. However, unfortunately, they are very low effective against sexually transmitted diseases. The IUDs are also sometimes called the “temporary sterilization method”, because of its prolonged action.
There is no way to compare the IUDs contraception method with the sterilization, as IUDs are 100% reversible, therefore they do provide viable contraception for women, who plan to have children in the future, and for those women, who decided to stop with their childbearing process.
If you want any method of contraception to be effective, you should use it consistently and according to instruction. If you want to make the chances of birth control failure as low as possible, and if you are using one of the Intra Uterine Devices, then you should take into consideration the tips provided below.
• You should always be sure that the IUD is in its place, so, it is extremely important to check its position every four – five days, especially during first several months after you have had it inserted. You are also to schedule an appointment with your doctor after you have had your first period, to make sure that the ParaGard or Mirena IUD is still in place.
• You will have to check the strings each month to make sure that the IUD is still in its place. You should ask your doctor while visiting him about how to perform this procedure.
• If you are aware that the IUD, you are using currently, you must have it removed. A good idea to check your tampons and pads during your period, to make sure, that the IUD has not fallen out.
• Most pregnancies occur to Mirena and Paragard users, when their IUDs slide out, and they do not even realize it. Though, you are to be aware, that even if the chances of pregnancy, while it is in place, are very low, it does happen from time to time, and it can happen to you. As soon as you are aware about your pregnancy, you are to have the IUD removed.
• If while checking the IUD, you cannot feel the strings, you will have to use some additional method of contraception. In addition, you are to call your doctor as soon as possible to make sure that the IUD did not slip off.
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