There are many different reasons couples want to delay adding another member to their family — desire for a smaller family, a previous difficult delivery, wanting an ideal birth spacing, or financial considerations. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of contraceptive methods available to moms who would like to delay pregnancy. One such option is the intra-uterine device or IUD.
When it comes to birth control, you need to find one that works for you, which is why it’s important to consult with your doctor or head to the nearest health center to discuss your options. To help give you an idea, we asked moms from our Facebook group, Smart Parenting Village, to share their experiences using IUD.
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What is an IUD?
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices made of flexible plastic that is inserted to a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. According to Planned Parenthood, it works by “changing the way sperm cells move so that they can’t get to an egg. If sperm can’t make it to an egg, pregnancy can’t happen.” There are two kinds of IUDs: copper and hormonal.
Hormonal IUD
The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of progestin into the uterus to prevent fertilization and implantation. It either thickens the mucus on the cervix to block and trap the sperm, or the hormones stop eggs from leaving the ovaries, so there will be no egg for a sperm to fertilize. Hormonal IUDs can last anywhere from three to seven years.
Copper IUD
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWThe non-hormonal copper IUDs acts like a spermicide — it prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. It alters the cervical mucus and can stop a fertilized egg from implanting itself. This type of IUD is longer-lasting than its hormone counterpart and can work up to ten years.
Both types of IUD can be breastfeeding-friendly birth control options for moms. When implanted correctly, it has an effectiveness rate of over 99 percent.
Take note, however, that there is a possibility for the IUD to slip out from the uterus, which can get you pregnant. This is a more common occurrence during the first three months, and it usually comes out during your monthly periods. Check your pads, tampons, or cups, to see if it fell out. If the IUD only comes out part of the way, it also has to be removed.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) also reports there’s a five percent risk the IUD may be displaced outside the uterus, which is a serious condition.
Who can get an IUD?
Most women can use IUDs safely, but there are some conditions that can cause side effects or complications, which is why it’s important to discuss with a doctor if you want to use this type of birth control method.
According to Planned Parenthood, you may not be able to get an IUD if you
- Have certain STDs or pelvic infection
- Think you are pregnant
- Have cervical cancer that has not been treated
- Have cancer of the uterus
- Have had a pelvic infection after either childbirth or an abortion in the past three months
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowPeople who are allergic to copper, have Wilson’s Disease, or a bleeding disorder that makes it hard for your blood to clot should not use an IUD. A hormonal IUD is also not recommended for women who have had breast cancer.
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Where to get an IUD
IUDs require a doctor’s prescription and can only be administered by trained health service providers. Some women’s health organizations, like the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health can provide it to you for free.
Cost of an IUD
According to Cosmo.ph, copper IUDs can cost around Php10,000 to Php15,000 while the hormonal IUD ranges from Php15,000 to Php20,000. Some health centers and government hospitals insert the copper IUD for free. According to the Department of Health, the IUD and its insertion are covered for PhilHealth dependents.
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What Pinay moms think of the IUD
Mom Romina Guerra has been using IUD for around seven months and says she has not experienced any side effects so far. For mom Faye De Leon-Bejosano, the side effects she experienced includes a longer period — “umaabot ng two weeks.”
The copper IUD can affect a woman’s menstruation differently. For mom Anna Patricia Rodriguez, her periods became heavier, and it actually caused her IUD to be expelled from her body. But just like the other moms, she did not experience any other side effect.
Another mom, Rich Elle, says that the IUD has been “super effective” in the year and two months that she has been using it. She got it for free in the health center. “Ang gusto ko dito is hindi ako nireregla. So minus gastos para sa napkin,” she shares. However, she’s also experienced terrible side effects like migraine, mood swings, and food cravings.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWThe IUD can be a relatively inexpensive birth control option for moms, but like any contraceptive method, the side effects will vary for each person. Talk to your doctor before having one inserted and if you experience any uncomfortable symptoms after the procedure. The IUD is reversible so you can just as easily have it removed if you want to try and get pregnant again.
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