Hormone IUD - Long-term Contraception

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:04

Hormonal IUD

The hormonal coil is an elastic, T-shaped plastic body. It combines the effectiveness of two proven contraceptive methods: the mini pill and the copper IUD. The hormone coil is provided with a small hormone cylinder that continuously releases a small amount of progestin directly into the uterus - which only enters the bloodstream in very small amounts, as is the case with the pill, for example. Therefore, the hormone release of the IUD is much lower than with all other hormonal contraceptives…

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• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• This is how the IUD works
• How is the IUD used?
• How reliable is the hormonal IUD?
• Advantages and disadvantages of the IUD
• Whom can I ask?

This is how the IUD works

The IUD works by thickening the mucus in the cervical canal. This prevents the sperm from entering the uterus and suppresses the growth of the uterine lining. The IUD offers reliable and effective contraception for three or five years (depending on the product).

How is the IUD used?

The hormone coil is inserted into the uterus by the gynecologist using a special insertion tube during the menstrual period. The onset of the hormonal IUD only takes a short time, but it can be accompanied by slight, cramp-like pain in the abdomen. The correct position of the coil in the uterus is checked using ultrasound. After about one to two months, the gynecologist will check whether the T-shaped plastic body is properly seated.

Note The correct position of the hormonal coil should be checked by the gynecologist every twelve months using ultrasound.

A so-called retrieval thread is attached to the end of the hormone cylinder, which makes it easier for the doctor to remove the IUD.

How reliable is the hormonal IUD?

The IUD has a high safety rate (Pearl Index 0.2-0.4) and is a reliable method of contraception with a long-term effect. For comparison: The Pearl Index for the conventional copper spiral is between 0.3 and 3.0.

Advantages and disadvantages of the IUD

The five-year IUD has been around in Austria for over 15 years. It has now developed into one of the most popular forms of long-term contraception.

The advantages

• Weaker and shorter menstrual periods: The amount and duration of bleeding usually decrease.
• Relief of menstrual cramps: Menstrual pain (such as cramps in the lower abdomen) can often be relieved.
• The hormone release is lower than with conventional hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, hormone-related side effects are very rare.
• The IUD can also be used during breastfeeding.

The disadvantages

• The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Side effects such as headaches, acne or depressive moods rarely occur.
• Spotting and intermenstrual bleeding are possible due to the hormonal coil.
• The hormonal IUD is thicker than the copper IUD: women who have not yet given birth may need to stretch the cervix.

Whom can I ask?

The IUD may only be used by a gynecologist. The costs for this are not covered by social security. The hormone IUD currently costs around 500 euros including insertion and removal.