Do you ever think about an alternative to the pill? Then an IUD might be the answer.
In the weekly magazine Vriendin No. 46, Dorenda van Dijken, gynaecologist, talks about the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of IUDs.
Less heavy menstruation
According to gynaecologist Dr. Dorenda van Dijken, the hormone coil is the simplest invention after mascara that can make a huge difference in a woman's life. "It makes a big difference whether you leave the house with or without mascara and it only takes a few minutes. It's the same with the Mirena, a hormone-containing coil. After it has been inserted, most women experience much less menstruation. One in five women even stop menstruating. I think it's the solution for women who lose a lot of blood. The coil is also a handy solution for women who experience more bleeding in the pre-menopause."
Protected for five years
You have to take the contraceptive pill every day. Van Dijken: "If you accidentally skip a pill, or if you have vomited or have diarrhea, you are immediately no longer protected. An IUD is inserted once, after which you do not have to think about contraception for five years: just like with the pill, the chance of pregnancy is minimal. If you are over forty, an IUD can remain in place even longer, because you are less fertile above that age. Some types of IUDs can even remain in place for ten years."
You don't take hormones
With the contraceptive pill, you take hormones every day. If you are sensitive to them, or you don't like the idea of taking hormones, the coil offers a solution. Van Dijken: "The name hormonal coil is a bit misleading. The coil does release hormones, but they only work on the uterine lining, to ensure that the lining becomes too thin for a pregnancy. The hormones do not end up in your blood."
Protected immediately after installation
Once the IUD has been inserted into the uterus by the gynaecologist or GP, you are immediately protected against pregnancy after the next menstruation. Van Dijken: "The only thing the doctor checks beforehand is whether you unexpectedly have chlamydia, because this STD can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and therefore infertility in combination with the insertion of an IUD."
Fertile again after removal
You can have the coil removed at any time. Van Dijken: "After the next menstruation, the mucous membrane has recovered sufficiently." You are then immediately fertile again and if you want, you can quickly become pregnant.
Good to know
- There are different types of spirals. Which one you choose depends on your personal preference.
- Inserting an IUD hurts for a while. That day you may experience a nagging feeling and you may experience bleeding for a few days, but after that you will not feel anything anymore. If you have any complaints, contact your GP or gynaecologist.
- If you have an IUD, your cycle and therefore your ovulation will continue - unlike with the contraceptive pill. This also means that an IUD does not offer a solution for women with, for example, headache complaints that are related to a cycle.
Girlfriend No. 46
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