Intrauterine Device Essay

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Intrauterine Device
The letters IUD stand for "intrauterine device." IUDs are small, "T-shaped" devices made of flexible plastic. A health care provider inserts an IUD into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD available ParaGard and hormonal Mirena. The ParaGard IUD contains copper, its effective for 12 years. The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of progestin. There are two brands. Mirena is effective for five years. Skyla is slightly smaller and effective for three years. Both the copper and hormonal IUDs work mainly by affecting the way sperm move so they can't join with an egg. If sperm cannot join with an egg, pregnancy cannot happen.
For some women, hormonal IUDs may prevent the egg from leaving the ovary. Progestin also prevents pregnancy by thickening a woman's cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg. Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available.
Keep in mind that the IUD doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom along with the IUD to reduce the risk of infection. Most women can use an IUD safely. There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot use an IUD. You should not use an IUD if you have had a pelvic infection following either childbirth or an abortion in the past three months, have or may have a sexually transmitted infection or other pelvic infection, think you might be pregnant, have cervical cancer that hasn't been treated, have cancer of the uterus, have unexplained bleeding in your vagina, have pelvic tuberculosis, have a uterine perforation during IUD insertion
A health...

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...orm of birth control such as condoms.
Between your periods, you can check for the string ends if you want to, but do not pull on them. Pulling the strings might make the IUD move out of place or even come out.
You need to see a health care provider to get an IUD. Your health care provider can help you decide if an IUD is right for you. You can find a health care provider who can help you with getting an IUD at your local health center or at other clinics. The IUD is the most inexpensive long-term and reversible form of birth control you can get. Unlike other forms of birth control, the IUD only costs money in the beginning. The cost for the medical exam, the IUD, the insertion of the IUD, and follow-up visits to your health care provider can range from $500 to $1,000. That cost pays for protection that can last from 5 to 12 years, depending on which IUD you choose

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