/assets/images/provider/photos/2848706.jpeg)
There are many ways to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) offer some unique benefits in addition to doing their job well. Here, we look at why IUDs are such a popular birth control method.
Birth control has been hailed as one of the biggest achievements in public health in the modern world. Thanks to contraception, women and couples can better plan their family building to suit their lives.
There's also a dizzying array of options when it comes to birth control, and we want to focus on one of the more popular here: intrauterine devices (IUDs). In the United States, more than 65% of reproductive-aged women use birth control, and slightly more than 10% of this number uses what we call long-acting, reversible birth controls, namely IUDs and implants.
At Yunella Women’s Health, we have your birth control needs covered, which includes IUD placement. To give you an idea about why this choice is so popular, we turn to board-certified OB/GYN David Seil Kim, MD, PhD, and our team, and here’s what they want you to know.
How IUDs work
Let’s start with a brief description of how IUDs work before we jump into their many benefits. There are two types of IUDs, which are small, T-shaped devices that we place inside your uterus:
Hormonal IUDs
These IUDs slowly release hormones that thicken the mucus around your cervix to trap and block sperm, and they can also alter ovulation.
Copper IUDs
These IUDs are wrapped in copper, which naturally repels sperm.
The many benefits of using an IUD
Now let’s look at some of the many benefits of using an IUD to prevent pregnancy.
1. IUDs are very good at what they do
The first thing you want in a birth control is to have it work, and IUDs excel in this area as both the hormonal and copper versions offer near perfect 99% efficacy ratings.
2. IUDs are largely hassle-free
Once we place your IUD, there’s nothing more that you need to do on your end to protect against pregnancy.
3. IUDs are long-lasting
There are several brands of IUDs that offer some impressive, long-lasting protection that ranges from three to 12 years.
4. IUDs are easily reversed
When you’re ready to put family building on the table, all you need to do is come see us for a quick visit during which we can remove the IUD to restore your fertility.
5. Improve your periods
If you have abnormal periods, hormonal IUDs can often regulate and lighten them, as well as reduce severe cramping.
6. IUDs can be used as emergency protection
If you have unprotected sex and you’re worried about pregnancy, you can prevent the pregnancy for up to five days afterward with an IUD.
As you can see, there’s a lot to appreciate when it comes to using an IUD as birth control.
If you have more questions about the IUD and whether it's a good choice for your goals and lifestyle, we invite you to call our office in the Mid City West area of Los Angeles, California, at 424-404-8832. You can also schedule a visit online today.