Is using an IUD ideal for every age?
Despite apprehension that the IUD has many advantages only after 40 years, this does not exclude those who choose this contraception earlier. Here’s what gynecologist Dr. Alain Tamborini had to say.
According to a recent survey presented on the occasion of World Contraception Day*, only 4.9% of women aged 20-29 years use the IUD as a means of long-term contraception. Blame the doctors who offer this method of contraception only to about 23% of young women. Now there are about 43% who adopt it when the doctor suggests the contraceptive to them. Gynecologist Dr. Alain Tamborini sheds light on the benefits of IUDs after 40 years of age and the false beliefs that prevent some to adopt it earlier.
*”The Truth Report” Censuswide / Bayer HealthCare, World Contraception Day, September 26, 2015
AFTER AGE 40, SHOULD THE IUD BE ADOPTED RATHER THAN THE PILL?
There is no ideal age or medical imperative. It is usually fatigue, the everyday stress of taking a pill, and the risk of forgetting that can motivate the change. The IUD, once inserted, can be forgotten for five years! A majority of women say they regret not having done the procedure earlier.
You must not be daunted by the size of the box (which contains the device for insertion) when you buy it in pharmacies.
WHAT ARE ITS OTHER BENEFITS?
There is a reliability of 99%, which increases with age, particularly after age 40. The doctor may remove and deliver a new one, and leave it until menopause. The hormonal IUD, which releases progestin, reduces or prevents the development of the uterine lining, reducing the abundance of rules in 80% of women after six months. When tolerated, it offers a sense of freedom. Plus, you can consider a pregnancy upon withdrawal.
ARE THERE DISADVANTAGES?
It does not block ovarian activity (such as the pill that creates artificial blockages). Having a cycle that’s long, irregular or experiencing painful periods? The IUD will not change anything. For long and heavy periods, avoid copper IUDs which may increase risk of infection. The insertion, carried out during a consultation is more or less bearable, fast and without anesthesia. If you’re nervous, you can take a painkiller before the procedure. Bleeding
and contractions can occur for several days.
CAN WE ASK FOR IT EVEN IF WE NEVER HAD A CHILD?
Yes, but technically it may be more painful for a woman whose cervix was not dilated by pregnancy, or who gave birth by caesarean section. Before this, it was not recommended for women without children because of assumed higher risk of genital infection and therefore subsequent infertility. Investigations have however shown that the risk of infection is not related to the IUD, but behaviour. It is therefore recommended for women with stable sexual lives (with a single partner).
CAN YOUR PARTNER FEEL IT?
In principle, he does not. It is places in the uterine cavity; comprised of only two very thin walls. If your partner feels it, which is rare, contact your gynecologist.
ONCE IN PLACE, WILL IT MOVE OR GO MISSING?
An IUD does not move, even if you lose weight or are agitated on a vibrating platform (such as an excercise machine)! During the regular consultation, a month after installation, and then once a year, the doctor will check it position.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
Those with infections, history of pelvic inflammatory disease, STDs or abnormality of the uterus (polyp, fibroma, incompetent cervix). Those with Wilson’s disease (a rare disease of copper metabolism) and allergies against copper should not consider the IUD.
Maureen Diament and Isabelle Soing
