Womens Health

Hormonal IUD: Advantages and disadvantages

It is one of the most comfortable, safe and effective contraception. What are its advantages? Does it have any contraindication? Find out.

Hormonal IUD

The IUD (intrauterine device) is one of the most popular contraceptive methods, although not the most widely used, because in the case of women condoms continues leading the list.

In some cases the minor use of the IUD due to the lack of information, in particular on the benefits that can be derived from this method, a device in the form of T that is placed inside the uterus. There are two types of IUD, the copper IUD and which has become its successor, the hormonal IUD. We are going to see, more thoroughly, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the latter.

Advantage

The hormonal IUD is a device easy to place, comfortable, long lasting (5 years), reversible (i.e., to remove it the woman may become pregnant) and is also suitable for use during lactation. A safe and more effective than other contraception methods (effectiveness between 98-99%), as for example in the case of Mirena (brand under which this method is marketed and combines the advantages of oral contraceptives and intrauterine) releases, always in small amounts, levonorgestrel (a type of progesterone), which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and hampers the development of the endometrium (this prevents the embryo may be implanted or develop).

The use of IUD reduces the amount and duration of the period, so it is also a recommended method in cases of menorrhagia (heavy bleeding). It does not contain estrogen, unlike the pill or the vaginal ring that combined estrogen and progesterone.

Disadvantages

Each woman will need to find the contraceptive method that best suits their body and needs. For example, in the case of IUD, it must also be aware that, due to the release of hormones, some women may notice some discomfort or side effects, such as headaches, weight gain, and tension in the breasts or hair loss. Effects that usually disappear naturally after a few months, but if the hormone levels are still unbalanced you should consult with your gynecologist.