What is an IUD and how does it work. How effective are IUDs at preventing pregnancy. What are the different types of IUDs available. How long do IUDs last. What are the benefits and potential side effects of using an IUD.

Understanding Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): A Comprehensive Guide

An Intrauterine Device, commonly known as an IUD, is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are highly effective, long-lasting, and reversible birth control methods that have gained popularity due to their convenience and reliability.

What exactly is an IUD?

An IUD is a flexible, T-shaped device made of plastic that is placed inside the uterus. The term “IUD” stands for Intrauterine Device, which literally means a device inside the uterus. Some healthcare providers may also refer to it as an IUC (Intrauterine Contraception).

How do IUDs prevent pregnancy?

IUDs work by altering the way sperm cells move, making it difficult for them to reach and fertilize an egg. This mechanism effectively prevents pregnancy from occurring. Depending on the type of IUD, there may be additional methods of action:

• Copper IUDs release copper ions, which are toxic to sperm and create an inhospitable environment for them.
• Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and may also prevent ovulation in some cases.

Types of IUDs: Exploring Your Options

In the United States, there are five FDA-approved IUD brands available. These can be categorized into two main types: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs contain progestin, a synthetic hormone similar to the naturally occurring progesterone. The four hormonal IUD options are:

1. Mirena: Effective for up to 8 years
2. Kyleena: Effective for up to 5 years
3. Liletta: Effective for up to 8 years
4. Skyla: Effective for up to 3 years

Copper IUD

The only copper IUD available in the U.S. is Paragard. It is hormone-free and can provide pregnancy protection for up to 12 years.

IUD Effectiveness: How Reliable Is This Birth Control Method?

IUDs are among the most effective forms of birth control available. Their effectiveness rate is over 99%, making them more reliable than many other contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, patches, and condoms.

Why are IUDs so effective?

The high effectiveness of IUDs can be attributed to several factors:

• They don’t rely on user compliance, unlike methods such as pills or condoms
• Once inserted, they provide continuous protection without the need for daily attention
• They work locally in the reproductive tract, minimizing the chance of user error

The IUD Insertion Process: What to Expect

The IUD insertion process is a relatively quick medical procedure that can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office. While experiences may vary, here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Before the procedure

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and may perform a pelvic exam to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for an IUD.

During the insertion

The actual insertion typically takes only a few minutes. Your provider will use a speculum to open the vagina and then carefully guide the IUD through the cervix and into the uterus using a special inserter.

After the procedure

Some women may experience cramping or discomfort during and after the insertion. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations of IUDs

While IUDs are generally safe and well-tolerated, like all medical interventions, they can have potential side effects. It’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider before deciding on an IUD.

Common side effects of hormonal IUDs

• Irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first few months
• Hormonal effects such as headaches, nausea, or breast tenderness
• Possible reduction or cessation of menstrual periods

Common side effects of copper IUDs

• Heavier or longer periods, especially in the first few months
• Increased menstrual cramping

Rare but serious complications

While uncommon, more serious complications can occur, such as:

• Perforation of the uterus during insertion
• Expulsion of the IUD
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

The Benefits of Choosing an IUD for Birth Control

IUDs offer numerous advantages that make them an attractive option for many women seeking long-term contraception:

Long-lasting protection

Depending on the type, IUDs can provide continuous pregnancy prevention for 3 to 12 years.

Highly effective

With a success rate of over 99%, IUDs are one of the most reliable forms of birth control available.

Reversible

Once removed, fertility typically returns quickly, allowing for pregnancy when desired.

Low maintenance

Unlike daily pills or other methods, IUDs require minimal user intervention once inserted.

Cost-effective

Although the initial cost may be higher, the long-term use of an IUD often makes it more economical than other contraceptive methods.

IUDs as Emergency Contraception: A Lesser-Known Application

Interestingly, certain IUDs can also serve as highly effective emergency contraception when inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse.

Which IUDs work for emergency contraception?

The Paragard (copper IUD), Mirena, and Liletta (both hormonal IUDs) can be used as emergency contraception.

How effective are IUDs for emergency contraception?

When inserted within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, these IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them the most reliable form of emergency contraception available.

Added benefit of long-term protection

Unlike the morning-after pill, an IUD used for emergency contraception can then be left in place to provide ongoing birth control for several years.

Removing an IUD: When and How It’s Done

While IUDs can provide long-term contraception, they are not permanent. Removal is a simple process that can be performed by a healthcare provider.

When should an IUD be removed?

• When it has reached its expiration date
• If you wish to become pregnant
• If you experience persistent side effects
• If you decide to switch to a different form of birth control

The removal process

IUD removal is typically a quick and straightforward procedure:

1. Your healthcare provider will use a speculum to visualize the cervix
2. They will gently pull on the IUD strings, causing the arms of the T-shaped device to fold up
3. The IUD will then slide out through the cervix and vagina

Most women experience only mild discomfort during the removal process. After removal, it’s possible to have another IUD inserted immediately if desired, or to switch to a different form of contraception.

Choosing the Right IUD: Factors to Consider

Selecting the most suitable IUD depends on various factors. Here are some key considerations to discuss with your healthcare provider:

Hormonal vs. Non-hormonal

Do you prefer a method with or without added hormones? Some women may be sensitive to hormones or have medical conditions that preclude their use.

Duration of effectiveness

Consider how long you want contraceptive coverage. Options range from 3 to 12 years, depending on the IUD type.

Effect on menstrual cycles

Hormonal IUDs may reduce menstrual flow or even stop periods altogether, while copper IUDs may initially increase flow and cramping.

Medical history

Certain medical conditions may influence which IUD is most appropriate for you.

Future pregnancy plans

Think about when you might want to conceive in the future and choose an IUD with a duration that aligns with your plans.

By carefully considering these factors and discussing them with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision about which IUD best suits your needs and lifestyle.

IUD Birth Control | Info About Mirena & Paragard IUDs

In This Section

• IUD

• How effective are IUDs?

• How can I get an IUD?

• What’s an IUD insertion like?

• Are there IUD side effects?

• How safe are IUDs?

• What are the benefits of IUDs?

• What are the disadvantages of IUDs?

• How does IUD removal work?

• What are hormonal IUDs?

• What are non-hormonal IUDs?

What is an IUD? Learn About IUD Effectiveness | Planned Parenthood Video

What’s an IUD?

An IUD is a tiny device that’s put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods out there.

What does IUD stand for?

IUD stands for Intrauterine Device (basically: a device inside your uterus). It’s a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T. Sometimes it’s called an IUC — intrauterine contraception.

What are the types of IUDs?

There are 5 different brands of IUDs that are FDA approved for use in the United States:

1. Paragard,
2. Mirena,
3. Kyleena,
4. Liletta, and
5. Skyla.

These IUDs are divided into 2 types:

1. hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla).
2. copper IUDs (Paragard) and

The Paragard IUD doesn’t have hormones. It’s wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years.

The Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is very similar to the hormone progesterone that our bodies make naturally. Mirena works for up to 8 years. Kyleena works for up to 5 years. Liletta works for up to 8 years. Skyla works for up to 3 years.

How do IUDs work?

Both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can’t get to an egg. If sperm can’t make it to an egg, pregnancy can’t happen.

The Paragard IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Sperm doesn’t like copper, so the Paragard IUD makes it almost impossible for sperm to get to that egg.

The hormones in the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs prevent pregnancy in two ways: 1) they thicken the mucus that lives on the cervix, which blocks and traps the sperm, and 2) the hormones also sometimes stop eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), which means there’s no egg for a sperm to fertilize. No egg, no pregnancy.

One of the awesome things about IUDs is that they last for years — but they’re not permanent. If you decide to get pregnant or you just don’t want to have your IUD anymore, your nurse or doctor can quickly and easily take it out. You’re able to get pregnant right after the IUD is removed.

Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?

Yes! The Paragard, Mirena, and Liletta IUDs work super well as emergency contraception. If you get one of these IUDs put in within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, it’s more than 99% effective. It’s actually the most effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex.

Another great thing about using an IUD as emergency contraception: you can keep it and have really effective birth control that you can use for up to 8 to12 years (depending on which kind you get). The other kind of emergency contraception is the morning-after pill. You can take it up to 5 days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

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IUD

• 99% effective

• Costs up to $1,300, but can be $0

• Put in by a doctor or nurse

• Lasts up to 12 years

This IUD doesn’t protect you from STDs. Use a condom with your IUD to help stop pregnancy and STDs.

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What’s an IUD insertion like?

In This Section

• IUD

• How effective are IUDs?

• How can I get an IUD?

• What’s an IUD insertion like?

• Are there IUD side effects?

• How safe are IUDs?

• What are the benefits of IUDs?

• What are the disadvantages of IUDs?

• How does IUD removal work?

• What are hormonal IUDs?

• What are non-hormonal IUDs?

A doctor or nurse puts the IUD in through your vagina and into your uterus. Some people feel cramps or pain, but it doesn’t last long and medicine can help.

How is an IUD put in?

First, your nurse or doctor will ask you some questions about your medical history. Then they’ll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus, and they may test you for STDs. You may be offered medicine to help open and/or numb your cervix before the IUD is put in. 

To put the IUD in, the nurse or doctor will put a speculum into your vagina and then use a special inserter to put the IUD in through the opening of your cervix and into your uterus. The process usually takes less than five minutes.

IUDs can be put in at any point in your menstrual cycle, and you can usually get one put in right after giving birth or having an abortion.

How does it feel to get an IUD put in?

People usually feel some cramping or pain when they’re getting their IUD placed. The pain can be worse for some, but luckily it only lasts for a minute or two.

Some doctors tell you to take pain medicine before you get the IUD to help prevent cramps. They also might inject a local numbing medicine around your cervix to make it more comfortable.

Some people feel dizzy during or right after the IUD is put in, and there’s a small chance of fainting. You might want to ask someone to come with you to the appointment so you don’t have to drive or go home alone, and to give yourself some time to relax afterward.

What can I expect after an IUD insertion procedure?

Many people feel perfectly fine right after they get an IUD, while others need to take it easy for a while. There can be some cramping and backaches, so plan on chilling at home after your appointment — it’s a great excuse to curl up on the couch with your favorite book or movie. Heating pads and over-the-counter pain meds can help ease cramps too.

You may have cramping and spotting after getting an IUD, but this almost always goes away within 3-6 months. Hormonal IUDs eventually make periods lighter and less crampy, and you might stop getting a period at all. On the flip side, copper IUDs may make periods heavier and cramps worse. For some people, this goes away over time. If your IUD is causing you pain, discomfort, or side effects you don’t like, call your doctor.

Once you get the IUD, a string about 1 or 2 inches long will come out of your cervix and into the top of your vagina; don’t worry, you won’t notice it. The string is there so a nurse or doctor can remove the IUD later. You can feel the string by putting your fingers in your vagina and reaching up toward your cervix. But DON’T tug on the string, because you could move your IUD out of place or pull it out.

There’s a very small chance that your IUD could slip out of place. It can happen any time, but it’s more common during the first 3 months. IUDs are most likely to come out during your period. Check your pads, tampons, or cups to see if it fell out. You can also check your string to make sure it’s still there. If your IUD falls out, you’re NOT protected from pregnancy, so make sure to go see your doctor, and use condoms or another kind of birth control in the meantime.

Remember when you got your IUD (or write it down somewhere), so you’ll know when it needs to be replaced. The Paragard IUD should be replaced after 12 years. Mirena should be replaced after 8 years. Kyleena should be replaced after 5 years. Liletta should be replaced after 8 years. Skyla should be replaced after 3 years.

How soon after getting an IUD can I have sex?

You can have sex as soon as you want after getting an IUD.

You might need to use a backup method of birth control (like condoms) until the IUD starts to work — whether you’re protected against pregnancy right away depends on what type of IUD you get and when it’s put in your uterus.

Paragard (copper), Mirena, and Liletta IUDs start working to prevent pregnancy as soon as they’re in place.

Kyleena and Skyla IUDs start working to prevent pregnancy right away IF they’re put in during the first 7 days of your period. If you get a Kyleena or Skyla IUD at any other time during your cycle, protection starts after 7 days — in the meantime, use condoms or another kind of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

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George O. Wood: “I go from strength to strength”

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January 17, 2022

Views: 1239

Interview

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In late 2021, US Assemblies of God Superintendent General Doug Clay spoke with his predecessor, George O. Wood, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. On January 12, 2022, Dr. George Oliver Wood passed away after four and a half months of battling illness. In his last hours he was surrounded by family members.

In the preface to an interview published in AG News (https://news.ag.org), Doug Clay wrote: “For eight years, I had the privilege of serving with my predecessor, Assemblies of God Superintendent George O. Wood, as general treasurer of the fraternity. I had the opportunity to closely observe his leadership style and spiritual experience. He had a huge impact on me. At the end of 2021, I met with him to talk about how he is coping with his illness. In typical George Wood fashion, he offered a great scriptural perspective on how to deal with life’s unexpected challenges.”

DOUGH CLAY: As we wrap up another year, I’m delighted to be talking to a good friend, Dr. George O. Wood. I am sure that our conversation today will not only be inspiring, but will also bring practical benefits. Dr. Wood, thank you for taking the time to speak. You are deeply loved and respected by the believers of our brotherhood [Assemblies of God]. Could you give us the latest news about your health?

GEORGE O. WOOD: Well, Doug, first of all, thank you for the opportunity. On August 30, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was a tumor in the esophagus that had spread to the liver and one of the vertebrae. I went through several rounds of chemo and drugs in the clinic, but the third round had serious side effects, which caused me to spend 16 days in Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, and then I was transferred to Springfield for rehabilitation. I didn’t realize that if you spend 16 days in bed, you lose the ability to move around. So I had to learn to walk again. I’m good with walkers. Things happen in life that you don’t foresee. Of course, cancer was not on my radar screen.

CLAY: George, I know your great love for the Word of God. Were there any specific scriptures that really supported your spirit and emotions?

WOOD: One of my favorite passages is Psalm 83, verses 6 and 7. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You and whose heart paths are directed to You. Passing through the valley of weeping (which is a desolate place), they open springs in it. And then this great phrase – “they come from strength to strength, appear before God in Zion.” And we are all actually going to Zion at one time or another. I found that in those moments of my life when I was at my weakest physically – and that was in the last few months – I felt at my strongest spiritually.

From the moment I was diagnosed on August 30 – two days before my 80th birthday – I felt instant peace. As a follower of Jesus, I have two great opportunities. I can go to my home in Springfield or my home in heaven. I like both. This is from a man who has been afraid of death all his life.

I don’t know what the end result will be, but I just had a wonderful feeling that the Lord was with me. I pass through this deserted place, but I go from strength to strength. We all will someday stand before God in Zion. It will happen this year, next, who knows when… but I’m really calm.

CLAY: You are still the chairman of the World Fellowship of the Assemblies of God. What does the Holy Spirit tell you about the worldwide brotherhood of the Assemblies of God?

WOOD: At our last World Congress in 2017, a large audience gathered, and I felt the Holy Spirit give me a prophetic word. We have been looking at where the Assemblies of God will be around the world by 2033, the 2000th anniversary of the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. I said, “The Lord wants us to have a million churches around the world.” Now we have about 370,000. I know it sounds daring, but if every church in the Assemblies of God around the world had more than 190 countries and territories opened two churches, we would have reached this number.

From this arose a direction called MM33, MM – Latin letters for 2000; 33 is two digits for the year 2033. With the help of the Lord and an active church planting movement around the world, we will see a million Assemblies of God churches by 2033. The ministers really support this vision.

CLAY: One of the many things I learned from you is the discipline to find the word for the new year. I’ve been doing this for seven years now. Our churches and ministers welcome 2022, what word would you like to share with them?

WOOD: There is one verse in the Bible that I didn’t understand for many years: the saying of the apostle Paul in Philippians: “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me” (chapter 4, verse 13). The reason why I didn’t understand this was because he was in jail. He’s in a prison cell, he’s chained to a guard, and he says, “I can.” And I want to call out to him through the time tunnel, “Hey Paul, don’t you realize there’s nothing you can do, that your missionary travels are over, your epistle days are almost over? You don’t plant churches anymore. People are not healed as a result of your ministry.”

But one day it dawned on me that prison is the hardest thing God has ever asked him to do. This phrase means that “I can do even that.” This is very important to me now that I am battling stage 4 cancer. I can overcome because of Christ Who strengthens me, whether He decides to heal me on this side of the Jordan or heal me on the other side of the Jordan. Never in my life have I felt spiritually stronger than now.

I have always struggled with the idea that God loves me personally. It sounds strange, because I am a minister, I was the general superintendent. But growing up in an environment where I was saved anew every Sunday night, I worried that I would blaspheme the Holy Spirit. I was worried that I would be possessed by a demon. I was afraid that I would miss the rapture of the church.

And about five weeks ago, in the middle of the night, my mind returned to my first memory in my life. At the age of three, I had a dream in which I fell into a bottomless dark pit. I woke up screaming. From time to time this picture came back when God saved me. As I thought about this at 3:00 am, I felt as if God had wrapped a blanket around me and enveloped me in a deep sense of love. The spirit told me, “Go back to that hole,” and I returned.

I’m back, but everything is gone. The Lord said, “I filled it, you will never fall into it again.” Now there was beautiful grass, you can’t even say that there was something. It was like a traumatic childhood dream that had always been in the back of my mind was finally forgotten after 77 years.

I received the assurance of God’s love and it was so precious. When I read Scripture lately, I just keep focusing on the fact that God loves us deeply. And this is part of the fact that “I can do everything in him who strengthens me.” He strengthened me, gave me strong emotional assurance to this still insecure missionary child that God truly loves me.

The Lord loves us all deeply, no matter what we go through. Christ can strengthen you in this trial and absolutely guide you through it.

CLAY: I think it was a word for someone in our God family. I think of the blessing that is written in the book of Numbers: “May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord look upon you with His bright face and give you peace!” Your face radiates the joy of the Lord. Chief, it was very nice to spend these moments together.

Translation by Irina Litvinova

Source:
https://news.ag.org/en/News/A-Chat-with-George-O-Wood

#GEORGEOWWOOD #DOUGCLAY

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