The IUD:
a contraceptive response
adapted to young women
Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and acclaimed by our European neighbours, it is being used more and more in France, especially thanks to the recommendations of the French Health Authority, which places it as first-line contraception, including for childless women and very young women. Close-up on this method of contraception with multiple advantages:
What is an IUD?
What is the action of the IUD?
The IUD works in a simple way: Copper is naturally spermicidal, preventing sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. In addition, the intrusion of a foreign body into the uterus causes an inflammatory reaction in the uterine lining (a normal, non-infectious reaction), preventing the egg from nesting.
Hormonal IUDs combine two effects: the inflammatory reaction and the contraceptive effect. The progestin hormone in the reservoir is released regularly in small amounts to act on the lining of the uterus.
Contrary to popular belief, the IUD does not make you sterile at all. The risk of infection from the IUD is not zero, but it is rare. Informing the patient and follow-up by a professional can limit the risks. An IUD should always be inserted and removed by a healthcare professional.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the IUD?
- First of all, it is a completely reversible method of contraception that can be recommended to all women, including the youngest
- The female cycle is completely natural with the copper IUD
- The copper device, hormone-free, is ideal for all those who do not want or cannot tolerate estro-progestogen contraception
- The hormonal IUD, for its part, has a beneficial effect on painful and heavy periods
- The IUD can remain in place for several years, thus avoiding the daily use of an oral contraceptive
- Once inserted, its action is quite comparable to that of a pill, without the potential risk of forgetting it
- It is mostly well tolerated and does not require regular gynaecological monitoring as with hormonal contraception
- It offers an easy and fast method of insertion and withdrawal
- In France whether copper or hormonal, all IUDs are reimbursed at 65% by the National Health Insurance
On the downside:
- The insertion of an IUD can sometimes cause temporary abdominal pain in the hours following the procedure
- With a copper IUD, the duration of menstruation and its abundance may be heavier in the first few months
- The cycle being natural, it can also be more irregular than with the contraceptive pill
- The hormonal IUD can cause some side effects such as breast tenderness, acne, weight gain, mood swings, etc. The cycle is natural, so it can also be more irregular than on the contraceptive pill. In this case, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about changing your method of contraception.
What are the advantages of the IUD over the pill?
Copper IUD or hormonal IUD, what is the difference?
The hormonal IUD contains, as its name suggests, a progestogen hormone which is released in small quantities and very gradually. It is available in two sizes. The diameter of the insertion tube is slightly larger due to the reservoir device.
How to choose your IUD?
In case of heavy, irregular and painful periods, the insertion of a hormonal IUD is recommended. This will reduce the pain felt by some women, reduce the duration and volume of menstruation, or even make it disappear without any impact on health or fertility.
The copper IUD is ideal for women with light or normal periods. It is also highly recommended for young women who cannot take hormonal contraception for health reasons and for women who smoke. Both hormonal contraception and smoking are high risk factors for health.
How to choose your IUD?
In case of heavy, irregular and painful periods, the insertion of a hormonal IUD is recommended. This will reduce the pain felt by some women, reduce the duration and volume of menstruation, or even make it disappear without any impact on health or fertility.
The copper IUD is ideal for women with light or normal periods. It is also highly recommended for young women who cannot take hormonal contraception for health reasons and for women who smoke. Both hormonal contraception and smoking are high risk factors for health.
Does the copper IUD affect libido?
Is the IUD suitable for nulliparous women?
Fully reversible, the IUD also offers the advantage of being able to be removed overnight without any impact on fertility or waiting time if you wish to have a child.
Who should I contact for the insertion of an IUD?
An IUD must be prescribed, inserted and removed by a healthcare professional: a gynaecologist, general practitioner or midwife.
How is an IUD inserted and removed?
Withdrawal should also always be carried out by a health professional. Simply pull gently on the withdrawal wires. This painless operation only takes a few seconds.
Is it possible to conceive a child immediately after removal of the IUD?
The IUD is a completely reversible method of contraception. It has no impact on fertility and there is no waiting period after its removal to conceive a child.