What Is a Hormonal IUD?
A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped IUD that provides long-term, uninterrupted contraception. To prevent pregnancy, it releases a synthetic hormone called progestin. In addition to being an insurance-covered form of contraception in many cases, it also works as emergency contraception. A popular birth control method, it offers better than 99 percent effectiveness.
A variety of hormonal IUDs are available on the market, such as:
- Mirena®, which provides contraception for up to seven years
- LILETTA®, providing contraception for up to six years
- Kyleena®, providing contraception for up to five years
- Skyla®, which provides contraception for up to three years
About 14 percent of women choose IUDs to avoid having to take a daily pill or, in an emergency, use the early option pill. Even though an IUD offers several benefits, to decide which one is right for you, you need someone skilled in feminine healthcare to avoid potential risks or side effects. For birth control guidance and pregnancy testing and planning, Dr. Felix Cohen and his team of gynecological experts provide exceptional care at Cohen Medical Practice (CMP).
With extensive experience in reproductive health, they serve as your guides to selecting the best method of contraception.
Other than hormonal IUDs the practice offers other birth control methods such as:
How Do Hormonal IUDs Provide Contraception?
Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancies by releasing a small amount of progestin into the uterus. This thickens the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for the sperm to pass through and reach an egg for fertilization. In some cases, hormonal IUDs prevent ovulation as well.
Choosing the type of hormonal intrauterine device you want depends on several factors, such as how long you want contraception, how sensitive you are to hormones and how your menstrual cycle is.
Factors to consider in hormonal IUDs include:
- Kyleena is best for women who haven’t had any children and want a small IUD with a lower dose of the hormone.
- Mirena is the best option for women who want long-term contraception and experience heavy bleeding.
- Skyla is for women who want short-term contraception, mostly young women who want to have regular periods.
- LILETTA is for women who are looking for a low-cost option with long-term results.
How Is a Hormonal IUD Inserted?
Inserting an IUD is a quick procedure, but before fitting you, your CMP doctor conducts a pelvic exam to make sure there are no active infections or any other issues with the uterus.
The procedure is completed with just a few steps, including:
- Lying on your back with your feet in stirrups, similar to having your annual pelvic exam
- Inserting a speculum into your vagina to widen it and clean your cervix with an antiseptic solution and medicine to numb the area
- Measuring the depth of your uterus with a small device
- Loading the IUD into a thin, flexible tube, which is inserted gently through your cervix and uterus
- Opening the arms of the IUD into a T-shape
- Attaching strings to the IUD, which are cut short according to your preference
The procedure is quick and takes about five to 10 minutes. After the insertion, you may feel mild cramping and slight pain. Some women experience spotting and irregular bleeding, which reduces after a couple of days. Your doctor then schedules a follow-up to check if the strings are in place and there are no complications.
Are Hormonal IUDs Safe?
A hormonal IUD is usually safe, but like other procedures, it comes with some risks, but with the right care, all of them are manageable. It’s useful for women who can’t take estrogen-based contraceptives.
Potential complications of hormonal IUDs include:
- IUD coming out of the uterus without you realizing it
- Infection
- Disturbed menstrual cycle
- Hormonal issues
- Ovarian cysts
Light spotting and cramping are common after insertion. Although rare, other side effects can occur. Call your surgeon right away if you have severe pelvic pain, high fever, chills, prolonged bleeding or pus-like vaginal discharge. You can limit your risks by visiting the experts at CMP.
When Can I Get a Hormonal IUD?
A hormonal IUD is possible at any time, depending on how your overall health is. Women usually get it during their menstrual cycle, as the cervix is dilated and insertion is easier. Right after you’ve had a baby, you may get an IUD inserted.
Sometimes, it may be unsafe to get a hormonal IUD. If you have pelvic inflammatory disease or an untreated sexually transmitted disease, then insertion can make your infection worse.
Your CMP doctor also advises avoiding IUD insertion if you have conditions such as:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Uterine abnormalities
- Allergies to IUD materials
- A history of breast cancer
Be safe from pregnancies with no more pills and no more patches. Hormonal IUDs give results with minimum maintenance and high levels of effectiveness. If you want to get a hormonal IUD and can’t decide which is best for you, then contact Dr. Cohen at Cohen Medical Practice so you get the safest birth control and overall reproductive attention.