Contraceptive spirals are one of the most convenient and easy to use contraceptives. They have been used by women around the world for over 70 years. What is this miraculous way of protection, what are the types of spirals and what are their advantages and disadvantages? We will talk about this in our article.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) operate according to two principles, depending on their type. First of all, they are a barrier to the penetration of sperm into the fallopian tubes, because they create the effect of the presence of a foreign body in the uterus. But even if fertilization happened in some random way, the same contraceptive spirals will prevent the attachment of the egg to the uterine wall.
What are contraceptives like IUDs? To be honest, they are called spirals, rather, out of habit. But in reality they are mostly T-shaped. They are made of plastic with a winding of copper wire or of precious metals - silver or gold. Depending on the method of creation, the price is set on contraceptive spirals - it can range from 5 to 12 thousand rubles. In this case, copper-clad and metal structures act due to the influence of copper, silver or gold ions on sperm activity. There are also IUDs saturated with synthetic hormones. Their action is based on stimulation of the viscosity of cervical mucus, which, when thickened, becomes an insurmountable barrier to semen.
Birth control spirals are installed exclusively by a gynecologist, since this process requires extreme caution, and if improperly installed, it is fraught with complications. What are the disadvantages of this method of contraception?
- Many women do not use an IUD for ethical reasons. After all, their action is sometimes based on the abortion of a fertilized egg from the uterus.
- Using an IUD increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- In some women, contraceptive spirals cause severe bleeding during the menstrual cycle, and also bring discomfort from the sensation of a foreign body inside.
- There is a risk of uterine inflammation with prolonged wearing of the spiral.
On the other hand, as a contraceptive device, a spiral or intrauterine device is a convenient and long-term way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. They do not require constant restoration - the period for which the Navy is set is 5 years. In addition, they do not violate, if used correctly, either the hormonal background or the course of the menstrual cycle. The only “but” - it is recommended to put them on women who have given birth and only after examination by a gynecologist and analysis.
Contraindications to the use of the IUD can be the following factors:
- neoplasms in the genitals;
- dysplastic processes occurring in the cervix;
- previous ectopic pregnancy;
- heavy and painful menstruation;
- blood diseases.
If at least one of these factors is present in the woman’s history, it is better to use other methods of contraception, since the consequences of installing a spiral can be very deplorable.
