The intrauterine device is a modern and reliable method of contraception for women who have given birth. The Pearl Index of the IUD is only 1-3, that is, a maximum of three women out of a hundred get an unwanted pregnancy in this situation. This is not so little, and no one wants to add to the statistics of failures, but this figure is significantly less than when using condoms or spermicides. The introduction of a hormonal IUD reduces the risks by another three times, and the Pearl index for the system is less than 0.5.

After the introduction of the spiral, the woman wants to lead a normal lifestyle, including playing sports, dancing and doing complex yoga asanas. The intimate sphere should not suffer either, because otherwise the use of contraception simply does not make sense. What restrictions exist after insertion and what should not be done if there is a foreign body in the uterine cavity?

Sports, fitness, yoga

A modern lady is able not only to stop a galloping horse, but to climb on top of it and make several circles around the arena. Horseback riding and cycling, training in the gym and stretching on the mat - all this has become part of our daily life. A healthy woman can afford to engage in any sport. But what changes if there is a spiral in the uterus?

Gynecologists say: no significant changes will occur in a woman’s life. Some restrictions are imposed only in the first month of using the IUD. The spiral should be conveniently located in the cavity of the reproductive organ, the mucous membranes of the genital tract, slightly injured by the introduction of the contraceptive, should heal. One to two weeks is enough for the system to fit comfortably in the uterus, but you should wait until your first menstruation and a follow-up examination with a doctor. If everything is fine and there are no complications, a woman can engage in almost any sport without significant restrictions.

Note: if we are talking about serious strength training or regular weight lifting, it would be useful to additionally consult with a gynecologist.

The spiral is inserted into the uterine cavity for 3 or 5 years, and during this time the woman can do yoga or gymnastics, go to the gym, ride a bike or learn other sports. It is only recommended to take a break during menstruation, and there are good reasons for this:

• With the arrival of menstruation, the cervix opens slightly, and it is at this time that the device may fall out. Additional stress during this period increases the likelihood of the IUD falling out. If the device partially or completely comes out of the uterus, its contraceptive effect will cease, which will lead to the onset of pregnancy.
• and other non-hormonal IUDs increase the amount of blood loss during menstruation. Physical activity, especially one that creates blood flow to the pelvic organs, also contributes to blood loss. It is unlikely that it will lead to serious bleeding, but some discomfort and frequent changes of pads are guaranteed.
• On critical days, a woman’s body is not configured for serious stress, and it is worth giving it a rest.

To summarize: you can play sports with a spiral, but you should observe moderation, be careful and take a break on critical days.

Swimming pool, aqua aerobics and water games

The intrauterine device does not interfere with swimming in the pool, playing water sports or swimming in the salty waters of the Adriatic Sea. Restrictions are imposed only on critical days. During menstruation you should be especially careful. During this period, the cervix remains slightly open, and favorable conditions are created for infection. The presence of an intrauterine device increases possible risks, so it is better to refrain from water procedures on critical days.

Note: you can take a bath with an intrauterine device, but not during your period.

Sauna, bathhouse, steam room

A correctly installed intrauterine device is not an obstacle to visiting a sauna or steam bath. Of course, you need to observe moderation and not sweat during menstrual periods. With the onset of menstruation, the risk of the IUD falling out slightly increases, and the likelihood of infection in the uterus also increases. It is better to visit a bathhouse or sauna after the bleeding has completely stopped - approximately on days 6-9 and then until the end of the cycle.

Another danger that awaits a woman in a sauna is increased monthly discharge. Warming up the pelvic organs leads to increased blood flow in them, which helps to increase the volume of menstruation. You should not risk your health and take a steam bath during menstruation, and even more so you should be careful with an intrauterine device installed.

Tampons, suppositories and other vaginal products

An IUD is a T-shaped or round-shaped device inserted into the uterine cavity. Only the antennae stick out into the vagina, and they are so thin that they are practically not felt by the woman. There is still enough space left in the genital tract for a tampon or suppository with medication to fit there.

It is not recommended to use tampons only in the first month after insertion. At this time, the woman’s uterus and genital tract must adapt to the foreign body, and microtraumas of the mucous membrane must heal. After 2-3 weeks you are allowed to use tampons. You can administer suppositories for therapeutic purposes immediately after installing the spiral, but only as prescribed by a doctor.

Intimacy

The intrauterine device (provided it is installed correctly) does not interfere with intimacy. With the coil you can have sex in any position. The contraceptive is securely fixed in the uterus, and it practically cannot fall out. If this does happen, you need to consult a doctor to introduce a new IUD or select other methods of contraception.

It is recommended to have sex no earlier than after 7 days. This time is required for the mucous membrane of the genital tract to heal, and for a woman to adapt to a new contraceptive. After removing the IUD, you should also wait a week before having sex. It is important to remember that even the most expensive and modern IUD is not able to protect against sexually transmitted infections and replace a regular condom in this regard.

Prevention from unwanted pregnancy, or contraception, helps a woman maintain her health:

• reduces the frequency of abortions;
• helps plan pregnancy and prepare for it;
• in many cases it has an additional therapeutic effect.

One type of contraception is intrauterine. It is used most often in China, the Russian Federation and Scandinavia. In everyday speech, the term “intrauterine device” is often used.

Advantages of intrauterine contraception:

• relatively low cost;
• long period of use;
• rapid restoration of fertility after removal of the IUD;
• Possibility of use during breastfeeding and with concomitant diseases;
• therapeutic effect on the endometrium (using a hormonal intrauterine system);
• preservation of the physiology of sexual intercourse, lack of preparation, fullness of sensations during intimacy.

Types of intrauterine devices

There are two types of intrauterine contraception:

• inert;
• medicinal.

Inert intrauterine contraceptives (IUDs) are plastic products of various shapes that are inserted into the uterine cavity. Their use has been discouraged since 1989, when the World Health Organization declared them ineffective and dangerous to women's health.

Currently, only spirals containing metals (copper, silver) or hormones are used. They have a plastic base of different shapes, close to the shape of the inner space of the uterus. Adding metals or hormonal agents can increase the effectiveness of the spirals and reduce the number of side effects.

In Russia, the following VMKs have gained the greatest popularity:

• Multiload Cu 375 – has the shape of the letter F, covered with copper winding with an area of ​​375 mm 2, designed for 5 years;
• Nova-T - in the shape of the letter T, has a copper winding with an area of ​​200 mm 2, designed for 5 years;
• Cooper T 380 A – copper-containing T-shaped, lasts up to 8 years;
• hormonal intrauterine system "Mirena" - contains levonorgestrel, which is gradually released into the uterine cavity, providing a therapeutic effect; designed for 5 years.

Less commonly used are IUDs that release medroxyprogesterone or norethisterone.

Which intrauterine device is better?

This question can only be answered after an individual consultation, taking into account the woman’s age, her state of health, smoking, the presence of gynecological diseases, planning a future pregnancy and other factors.

Mechanism of action

The principle of operation of the intrauterine device is the destruction of sperm and disruption of the process of attachment of the embryo in the uterine cavity. Copper, which is part of many IUDs, has a spermatotoxic effect, that is, it kills sperm that enter the uterus. In addition, it enhances the capture and processing of sperm by special cells - macrophages.

If fertilization does occur, the abortive effect of the contraceptive begins, preventing implantation of the fertilized egg:

• contractions of the fallopian tube intensify, while the fertilized egg enters the uterus too quickly and dies;
• the presence of a foreign body in the uterine cavity leads to aseptic (non-infectious) inflammation and metabolic disorders;
• as a result of the production of prostaglandins in response to a foreign body, the contractility of the uterine walls is activated;
• When using an intrauterine hormonal system, endometrial atrophy occurs.

The Mirena intrauterine system constantly releases the hormone levonorgestrel from a special reservoir at a dose of 20 mcg per day. This substance has a gestagenic effect, suppresses the regular proliferation of endometrial cells and causes endometrial atrophy. As a result, menstruation becomes scanty or disappears completely. Ovulation is not disturbed, hormonal levels do not change.

Is it possible to get pregnant if you have an intrauterine device?? The effectiveness of intrauterine contraception reaches 98%. When using copper-containing products, pregnancy occurs in 1-2 women out of a hundred within a year. The effectiveness of the Mirena system is several times higher; pregnancy occurs in only 2-5 women out of a thousand within a year.

How to place an intrauterine device

Before inserting an IUD, you need to make sure there is no pregnancy. The procedure can be carried out regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle, but it is best on days 4-8 of the cycle (counting from the first day of menstruation). It is necessary to analyze smears for microflora and degree of purity, as well as an ultrasound examination to determine the size of the uterus.

The procedure takes place on an outpatient basis without anesthesia. This is a virtually painless procedure. In the first days after insertion of the IUD, you may experience aching pain in the lower abdomen caused by contractions of the uterus. The first and 2-3 subsequent menstruation may be heavy. At this time, spontaneous expulsion of the spiral is possible.

After an induced abortion, the IUD is usually installed immediately after manipulation, after childbirth - 2-3 months later.

The insertion of an IUD after a cesarean section is carried out six months later to reduce the risk of infectious complications. Spirals can be used during breastfeeding, which is their great advantage.

After insertion of an IUD for a week, a woman is prohibited from:

• intense physical activity;
• hot baths;
• taking laxatives;
• sex life.

The next examination is scheduled for 7-10 days, and then, if there are no complications, after 3 months. After each menstruation, a woman should independently check for the presence of IUD threads in the vagina. It is enough to undergo an examination by a gynecologist once every six months, if there are no complaints.

Removing the intrauterine device

Removal of the IUD is carried out at will, with the development of certain complications or after the expiration of the period of use. In the latter case, a new contraceptive can be introduced immediately after removing the previous one. To remove the IUD, an ultrasound examination is first performed and the location of the spiral is determined. Then, under the control of a hysteroscope, the cervical canal is expanded and the spiral is removed by pulling the “antennae”. If the “antennae” breaks, the procedure is repeated in the hospital. If the intrauterine device penetrates the wall of the uterus and does not cause complaints, it is not recommended to remove it unless necessary, as this can lead to complications.

Complications of intrauterine contraception

Side effects from the intrauterine device:

• pain in the lower abdomen;
• genital infection;
• uterine bleeding.

These symptoms do not develop in all patients and are considered complications.

Pain in the lower abdomen

Occurs in 5-9% of patients. Cramping pain accompanied by bloody discharge is a sign of spontaneous expulsion of the IUD from the uterine cavity. To prevent this complication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed during the post-injection period.

Constant intense pain occurs if the contraceptive does not match the size of the uterus. In this case, it is replaced.

Sudden sharp pain may be a sign of uterine perforation with penetration of part of the spiral into the abdominal cavity. The incidence of this complication is 0.5%. Incomplete perforation often goes undetected and is diagnosed after unsuccessful attempts to remove the IUD. In case of complete perforation, emergency laparoscopy or laparotomy is performed.

Genital infection

The frequency of infectious and inflammatory complications (and others) ranges from 0.5 to 4%. They are difficult to tolerate and are accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and purulent discharge from the genital tract. Such processes are complicated by the destruction of tissue of the uterus and appendages. To prevent them, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed for several days after insertion of the IUD.

Uterine bleeding

Uterine bleeding develops in 24% of cases. Most often it manifests itself as heavy menstruation (menorrhagia), less often – intermenstrual blood loss (metrorrhagia). Bleeding leads to the development of chronic iron deficiency anemia, manifested by pallor, weakness, shortness of breath, brittle hair and nails, and degenerative changes in internal organs. To prevent bleeding, it is recommended to take combined oral contraceptives two months before insertion of the IUD and for 2 months after. If menorrhagia leads to anemia, the IUD is removed.

Onset of pregnancy

IUD reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. However, if it does occur, the risk is higher than among other women.

If pregnancy occurs while using the IUD, there are three scenarios:

1. Artificial termination, because such a pregnancy increases the risk of infection of the embryo and in half of the cases ends in spontaneous abortion.
2. Removal of the IUD, which can lead to spontaneous abortion.
3. Preservation of pregnancy, while the device does not harm the baby and is released along with the membranes during childbirth. This increases the risk of pregnancy complications.

The ability to conceive and bear a child is restored immediately after removal of the intrauterine contraception; pregnancy occurs within a year in 90% of women who did not use other methods of contraception.

Indications for use

This type of contraception in nulliparous women can cause serious complications that prevent future pregnancies. The intrauterine device for nulliparous women can be used only if it is impossible or unwilling to use other methods. For such patients, mini-spirals containing copper, for example, Flower Cuprum, are intended.

It makes no sense to install an IUD for a short period of time, so a woman should not plan a pregnancy for the next year or longer.

IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is believed that, on the contrary, they increase the risk of developing and worsen the course of such diseases.

IUDs are most often used in the following situations:

• increased fertility, frequent pregnancies against the background of an active sexual life;
• temporary or permanent reluctance to have children;
• extragenital diseases in which pregnancy is contraindicated;
• the presence of severe genetic diseases in a woman or her partner.

Contraindications to the intrauterine device

Absolute contraindications:

• pregnancy;
• endometritis, adnexitis, colpitis and other inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, especially acute or chronic with constant exacerbations;
• cancer of the cervix or uterine body;
• previous ectopic pregnancy.

Relative contraindications:

• uterine bleeding, including heavy menstruation;
• endometrial hyperplasia;
• congenital or acquired deformation of the uterus;
• blood diseases;
• severe inflammatory diseases of internal organs;
• previously occurred spontaneous expulsion (expulsion) of the ICH;
• intolerance to the components of the spiral (copper, levonorgestrel);
• absence of childbirth.

In these situations, the use of an intrauterine hormonal system is often justified. Its use is indicated for endometrial pathology, heavy bleeding, painful menstruation. Therefore, the gynecologist will be able to choose the right intrauterine device after examining and examining the patient.

Due to various life circumstances, many women and girls deliberately refuse childbearing. To protect themselves from unwanted conception, ladies resort to a variety of means to prevent pregnancy. At the moment, there are many contraceptives, among which doctors highlight the Vector intrauterine device. According to doctors, this contraceptive is the safest for a woman’s health. Let's take a closer look at what the Vector intrauterine device with silver is, the principle of its operation, and its effect on the female reproductive system.

What is the Vector intrauterine device?

This type of contraception consists of two main elements: an F-shaped or T-shaped frame and a spiral. The frame is often made of plastic and covered with a film made from a mixture of biologically active components. It is equipped with special hangers, thanks to which the IUD is attached to the uterine cavity. On the frame there is a direct spiral, which is made of gold or silver wire. These materials are considered pure enough to be introduced into the body. In addition, the surface of the frame is treated with a solution of propolis or calendula, thereby minimizing the risk of infection. The contraceptive is also equipped with a special device for installation, which is a polypropylene tube with a diameter of 4 mm.

Operating principle of the IUD

By introducing Vector intrauterine devices, doctors ensure that the intensity of the ovaries is significantly reduced, and the produced eggs cannot take root in the uterine cavity. After all, this is how a woman’s reproductive system reacts to the invasion of a foreign body into epithelial tissue. But after the IUD is removed, the work of the reproductive system resumes, and then the fair sex does not experience serious problems with conceiving and bearing a child.

Is the intrauterine device harmful to the body?

According to doctors, the Vector intrauterine device with silver not only does not cause harm, but also has a positive effect on the body. After all, the silver from which it is made prevents the appearance of many gynecological diseases, including cervical cancer. And propolis and calendula have antibacterial properties, due to which pathogenic bacteria and microbes are removed from the uterine cavity and vagina. Therefore, thousands of women around the world have resorted to installing a vector IUD, the price of which is quite reasonable.

Vector intrauterine devices have the following names:

1. Au 300F Vector-extra
2. Au 300T Vector-extra PC
3. Au 300T Vector-extra
4. KVMK-Au-300-Vector ring
5. Ag 400F Vector - extra PC
6. Ag 400F Vector - extra
7. KVMK-Ag 300-Vector ring
8. AgCu 150/250F Vector-extra PC
9. AgCu 150/250F Vector-extra
10. Ag 400T Vector-extra
11. AgCu 150/250T Vector-extra
12. and etc.

Reviews and comments

I really want to install a t-nova spiral, but unfortunately there are sanctions in Russia... I bought Vector for the first time and was shocked to learn that there is another specific method of installation.

I would gladly buy a new one. They are not there! And there are no analogues. They only goldlied for more than 4 thousand. I’m ordering a vector...whether it will take root or not, time will tell.

Many women are looking for reliable methods of contraception. Today, there are many pharmaceutical drugs, as well as gynecological products that help avoid unwanted pregnancy. Intrauterine devices are considered a very popular method of contraception.

Unlike temporary contraceptives, intrauterine devices have a long-lasting effect. They can be placed for different periods of time - from five to ten years. The principle of their action is very simple: they do not allow a mature egg to be released for fertilization. There are two types of spirals - hormonal and copper. Their prices also vary. It depends on the manufacturer and the clinic where the IUD is placed.

The latest generation IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device) contains the hormone levonorgestrel. Every day, the daily norm of this hormone is released into the uterine cavity, which prevents pregnancy. Sometimes such spirals are introduced in the treatment of various gynecological diseases.

A little history

IUDs appeared relatively recently - only 80 years ago. Since then they have become much better and more efficient. The first spirals had the shape of a ring, plate or rod, which was made of precious metal. In the early 70s, doctors developed plastic flexible coils that protected against pregnancy, but had a lot of side effects. Women with such spirals often experienced heavy bleeding, pain and other phenomena.

With each subsequent decade, the design of the spirals has improved. They became smaller in size and safer for health. Today they are considered one of the best methods of contraception.

How does the IUD work?

It was already mentioned above that today there are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. Let's look at each of these types below:

Copper IUDs are made from a specific metal alloy. They suppress sperm activity. The uterus produces fluid that destroys sperm and prevents the fertilization of the egg. This spiral thins the endometrial walls. This spiral is installed for 10 years.

Hormone IUDs are very effective. Every day, a daily dose of a hormone is released from such a device, which provokes mucus discharge from the uterus and prevents the complete attachment of the egg. Such spirals help in the treatment of certain gynecological diseases. They are installed for 5 years.

What do spirals look like and what are their advantages?

Externally, both types of spirals are almost identical. They are made in the shape of the letter "T". At the base of the spiral there is a container with a hormone. Metal spirals consist of a base on which copper or silver wire is wound.

Benefits of the IUD:

if the IUD is installed correctly, it protects against unwanted pregnancy by 99%;

the spiral is inserted very quickly and easily - in just five minutes;

the spiral is installed for 5-10 years, which is very convenient for a woman;

spirals are affordable;

after the IUD, weight does not increase, as after taking hormonal pills;

IUDs can be installed in women who cannot take oral contraceptives;

the spiral begins to operate as soon as it is installed;

After removing the IUD, reproductive function will be restored and the girl will be able to get pregnant immediately.

Many girls think about what is better - oral contraceptives or the IUD? The spiral definitely wins. After all, with it you won’t have to worry about taking the pill at the wrong time. In addition, the spirals do not affect your figure in any way, which cannot be said about hormonal pills.

How is an intrauterine device inserted?

Before deciding on such a procedure, you need to find an experienced doctor. After all, efficiency will depend on this. It is best to choose doctors who have positive reviews of their work. Before sending the patient for such a procedure, the doctor will definitely conduct an examination. In some cases, it is necessary to undergo tests to make sure that there are no inflammatory processes.

A couple of days before the procedure, you must refrain from any sexual intercourse. In addition, you should not douche, use suppositories or tablets unless prescribed by the doctor. It is best to insert an intrauterine device on days 1-7 of your period, when the cervix is ​​softer. This makes inserting the coil much easier.

The intrauterine device is installed in a sterile office on an outpatient basis. Installation time is only 5 minutes. Before inserting the IUD, the doctor treats the cervix with an antiseptic. During the insertion of the spiral, the girl may feel unpleasant tingling and pain in the abdominal area. This occurs because the doctor pulls up the cervix with a special instrument to straighten it. Such manipulations allow you to install the spiral in the correct position.

Immediately after administration, a woman may experience dizziness. Sometimes acute, short-term pain occurs. But these symptoms go away on their own half an hour after installing the IUD. If symptoms do not disappear, the doctor re-examines the patient. The IUD may have been inserted incorrectly. In such cases, it is removed and a new one is installed.

During the day after installation, the girl may feel aching pain in the lower abdomen. This is considered normal. Your period may also extend by two days. After inserting the IUD, you should never have sex for a week and you should not use tampons or any medications, including aspirin.

After insertion of the IUD, you should not go to the sauna, swimming pool, beach or sunbathe in the sun (solarium). It is also worth giving up physical activity for a while. A month after installation, you need to visit a doctor and have an ultrasound to see if everything is fine. If the spiral is placed correctly and the woman does not experience any discomfort, then she will simply need to visit the gynecologist twice a year in the future.

It is important to know

An IUD can be installed after an abortion during the first menstruation.

If a woman has had a miscarriage, then the IUD can be installed no earlier than a month and a half after that.

After childbirth, gynecologists do not recommend installing an IUD during the first three months. The body must recover.

The spiral must be removed in time - after five to ten years.

After removing the old spiral, you can immediately install a new one.

Each time after the end of menstruation, it is necessary to check the antennae of the spiral in the vagina. If the antennae are shorter or absent, then you should immediately contact a gynecologist.

Who are contraindicated for IUDs?

IUDs can only be installed in women who have given birth. Also, this method of contraception is only suitable for those who are sexually active with one partner. After all, such a device can protect against pregnancy, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

The spiral is not placed if a woman has inflammatory processes or gynecological diseases. Before installing the spiral, the patient must be examined. Under no circumstances should a spiral be installed during pregnancy, for malignant and benign tumors, for chronic diseases, for hormonal disorders, or for mastopathy.

Side effects

During the first time after installation of the IUD, the following side effects may occur:

• spiral loss;

  inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix;

  swelling;

  heavy periods;

  increased appetite;

  absence of menstruation.

Archived version

Answers to important questions about the intrauterine device: how effectively does it protect against pregnancy, why is using the device dangerous, and in what cases should the device not be used?

Contents:

"Pros" and "Cons" of the spiral. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the intrauterine device as a method of contraception?

Due to its advantages, the intrauterine device occupies a special place among all other methods of contraception:

• The high effectiveness of the IUD in preventing unwanted pregnancy is comparable to the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills and reaches 99% or more.
• The IUD is much more reliable than birth control pills, since women taking birth control pills often forget to take the pill on time, which significantly reduces the reliability of this method. When using the IUD, absolutely no action is required on the part of the woman to maintain the contraceptive effect, and, therefore, any possibility of error or accident is eliminated.
• Compared to all other contraceptive methods, the intrauterine device is the cheapest contraceptive method. Despite the fact that the cost of one IUD is many times higher than the cost of one package of birth control pills or one regular package of condoms, recalculating its cost for 3-5 years (the usual period of wearing one IUD) shows its undeniable superiority in economic terms.
• Unlike birth control pills, metal or plastic IUDs, which do not contain hormones, have absolutely no overall “hormonal” effect on the body, which many women (in some cases justifiably) fear. For this reason, IUDs that do not contain hormones are recommended as the primary means of birth control for women over 35 years of age who are breastfeeding, actively smoking, or have other conditions that make the use of birth control pills impossible but require a very high level of protection against unwanted pregnancy. .
• IUDs containing hormones (for example, Mirena) reduce the risk of developing ectopic pregnancy and inflammation of the female reproductive system (see. ), and also significantly reduce blood loss during menstruation.
• The spiral is not felt at all during sexual intercourse and does not interfere with partners.

Despite the advantages described above, the use of intrauterine devices is currently quite limited, largely due to the disadvantages of this method:

• Installation and removal of the intrauterine device is carried out only by a gynecologist;
• As a rule, intrauterine devices are not installed in women who do not yet have children;
• After installation of an intrauterine device, a number of side effects may occur that may cause the woman some discomfort (see below);
• The intrauterine device does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections. cm.

How does the intrauterine device work?

Plastic or metal (copper, silver) coils have a detrimental effect on sperm and make them incapable of fertilization. The spiral also changes the properties of the uterine mucosa, making it unsuitable for the implantation of an embryo. (cm. )

The contraceptive effect of the intrauterine device remains constant (including on menstruation days) and can weaken only after the expiration date of the device. Modern spirals are designed to last for several years of use.

What types of intrauterine devices are there? Which spirals are better?

Modern intrauterine devices are small plastic or plastic-metal devices. Their dimensions reach approximately 3x4 cm. Typically, copper or silver is used to make spirals.

The appearance of most spirals resembles the shape of the letter “T”. The T-shaped shape of the spirals is the most physiological, as it corresponds to the shape of the uterine cavity.

Currently, spirals consisting of plastic, copper, silver with the addition of hormones are most often used:

• T Cu 380 A– T-shaped copper spiral. The contraceptive effect of this type of IUD is explained by the slow release of a small amount of copper, which suppresses sperm activity and has other effects that prevent the development of pregnancy. Spirals with copper can be used for a long time (up to 5-10 years).
• Multiload Cu 375 (Multiload) - IUDs of this type have a semi-oval shape with protrusions that help securely secure the IUD in the uterine cavity and reduce the risk of its loss, and therefore the reliability of the contraceptive effect.
• Nova – T (Nova-T), T de Plata 380 NOVAPLUS- These are T-shaped spirals consisting of plastic and copper (and silver) that do not contain hormones.
• T de Oro 375 Gold is a spiral containing a gold core made of 99/000 gold.
• Mirena- This is an intrauterine device with hormones. The IUD contains a container that continuously but very slowly releases levonorgestrel (a substance similar to the hormone released during pregnancy). The duration of use of such a spiral is 5 years.

There is no “best” spiral that would ideally suit all women. For each woman, the spiral is selected individually. That is, each woman has her own “best spiral.”

If you are faced with the need to choose a spiral:

• Discuss this issue with your gynecologist, whose opinion you trust. Ask what coils he works with and what coils he would recommend for you. The doctor’s experience is always more accurate than the descriptions that you can read on the packaging or in the instructions.
• You should not choose a spiral based only on price, since the most expensive spirals are not always the most reliable. In general, all the spirals described above are very effective. Therefore, there is no need to overpay.
• Pay attention to possible side effects from using different types of IUDs (see below) and be sure to tell your doctor, for example, if you are afraid of the “disappearance of your period” that may occur when using IUDs with hormones. On the contrary, if you have a tendency to have long and heavy periods, you should pay special attention to the possibility of using a hormonal IUD.

What side effects and consequences are possible after installing an intrauterine device?

Installation of an intrauterine device can lead to some complications, but not all women wearing the device develop complications. Modern research shows that more than 95% of women wearing IUDs consider them to be a very good and convenient method of contraception and are satisfied with their choice.

Possible complications:

During or immediately after installation (for all types of spirals):

• Perforation of the uterus (extremely rare);
• Development of endometritis (very rare);

During the entire period of use of the coil (for copper or plastic coils without hormones)

• Increased pain during menstruation;
• Increased volume of bleeding during menstruation;
• The appearance of spotting bloody discharge from the vagina after menstruation or in the period between menstruation.

During the entire period of use of the spiral (for hormonal spirals, for example, Mirena):

• Complete disappearance of menstruation several months after installation of the IUD;
• Bloody discharge between periods.

Read below about the impact of an IUD on a woman’s ability to conceive a child in the future.

See also paragraph below Changes in well-being and menstruation after installation of the IUD.

The use of an intrauterine device as the main method of contraception is not possible for all women. Like many other contraceptive methods, IUDs have their contraindications.