The intrauterine device, popularly known as the IUD, is one of the safest contraceptive methods available today. Despite this, it is used by less than 5% of Brazilian women of childbearing age, largely due to the lack of knowledge of the myths and truths about it, which can leave many women in doubt.
The best contraceptive method varies from woman to woman. However, for you to decide, it is necessary to be well informed. Check out our list of myths and truths and be prepared for your next appointment with the gynecologist:
It is impossible to get pregnant with the IUD
Myth. The device is indeed extremely effective, but no current contraceptive method offers 100% protection. The copper IUD has a 0.8% risk of pregnancy, while the hormonal IUD has a 0.2% risk. Thus, in very rare cases, there can be a pregnancy. For comparison purposes, the pill has a 9% risk.
It is worth remembering that the device is one of the safest options because it is not subject to failures caused by the woman’s forgetfulness, as can happen when using the pill, patches or injections.
The IUD increases the risk of infections in women
Myth. In the past, this method could actually increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, but that’s not the case today. If the woman does not have any disease already installed, the risks of an infection are very low.
The IUD does not interfere with breastfeeding
Truth. Women who have just given birth and who want to use it can put it on without having problems when breastfeeding.
The copper IUD can be inserted up to 48 hours after delivery. After this period, it is recommended to wait four weeks to perform the implantation. If the choice is for the hormone device, it is necessary to wait six weeks.
Women who have never had children can use
Truth. It does not cause fertility problems and can be used by childless women. However, as with the use of other contraceptive methods, it is necessary to go through a consultation with a gynecologist to receive all the guidelines.
The IUD is an abortive method
Myth. The IUD prevents a pregnancy by preventing the egg and sperm from joining. Because of this, the device works long before fertilization, so there is no way it can cause a miscarriage.
It can interfere with sexual intercourse
Myth. The IUD has a very thin thread to facilitate its removal when the time comes, but it does not interfere with sexual intercourse or harm the woman’s pleasure.
The IUD has contraindications
Truth. Like all contraceptive methods, the device also has some contraindications. It should not be used by women who have a malformation of the uterus, very small uterus or recent uterine infections. It is also not suitable for women who have not yet started sex.
IUD implantation is very painful
It depends. The woman may experience some level of discomfort, but it is more like menstrual cramps. In general, IUD insertion is a fairly simple and painless process, especially for patients who have already had children by vaginal delivery.
The perception of discomfort or pain is more related to the sensitivity of each woman and the expectations she has for this procedure. The placement of the IUD can be done in the doctor’s office, with or without local anesthesia, or in a surgical center with the possibility of venous sedation.
It is normal to feel discomfort or mild pain in the uterus after having
Truth. In the first month, the IUD may cause some discomfort as it is not yet fully accommodated in its position. However, if you experience very severe pain or if these signs do not stop after that time, it is necessary to verify that the IUD was implanted correctly.
Women with diabetes and other chronic diseases should avoid
Myth. The copper IUD can be used by patients with diabetes, valvular heart disease, breast cancer and other conditions, always according to medical advice.
It is necessary to associate the IUD with another contraceptive method
Truth. As the IUD is a method that only prevents pregnancy, without offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases, it is necessary to associate it with the female or male condom.
The IUD is a very expensive method
It depends. The initial cost of an IUD, especially a hormonal one, is actually much higher than that of methods such as condoms or birth control pills. However, it is necessary to consider that it can be used for 5 to 10 years, becoming a more affordable option over time.
The IUD can change your menstrual flow
Truth. A hormone-filled IUD can significantly decrease menstrual flow, even causing a period to stop, although there may be breakthrough bleeding in the first few months.
The copper IUD, in turn, can increase the intensity and duration of menstrual flow, in addition to causing more cramping.
A woman’s fertility can be harmed by the use
Myth. IUD use does not interfere with a woman’s fertility, even if she uses a hormonal IUD. After the device is removed, the uterus soon becomes receptive to sperm again, allowing the woman to become pregnant.
Periodic maintenance is required
Truth. One of the risks of the IUD is that it will dislodge or be rejected by the body (when it is not properly positioned). Therefore, it is necessary to do exams in the first three months to see if he has settled down correctly.
On these occasions, it is important to clear up possible new doubts with the gynecologist, so that the patient can better deal with the myths and truths about the IUD and be better able to take care of her own body.
Tags: Health, body care, medprev, hospital, clinics, scheduling, contraceptive methods, IUD, sex.