**Hormonal IUD: An Effective Method of Contraception**

 

The hormonal IUD is a long-term contraceptive method, and it is a safe option that many women resort to for family planning. The IUD is T-shaped, and its name is due to its ability to secrete a type of progestin hormone, which works to increase the thickness of the mucus in the cervix, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg. In this article, we will review what the hormonal IUD is and how to choose the appropriate method, in addition to providing information about the best gynecologists.

**What is the hormonal IUD?**

 

The hormonal IUD is a small device made of plastic in the shape of the letter T, which is inserted into the uterus. This IUD secretes the hormone progestin, which contributes to its effectiveness as a means of contraception.

**How ​​does the hormonal IUD prevent pregnancy?**

 

The progestin hormone secreted by the IUD increases the thickness of the mucus in the cervix, which prevents the entry of sperm. It also contributes to reducing the thickness of the uterine lining and reduces the ovulation process.

**Benefits of the hormonal IUD**

 

Like all birth control methods, the hormonal IUD has a number of benefits, including:

- **High effectiveness and long-term protection**: The hormonal IUD provides up to 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, as only 0.1% to 0.8% of women become pregnant while using it. Fertility also returns to normal immediately after the IUD is removed, regardless of the duration of use.

- **Reducing menstrual bleeding and cramps**: Some women suffer from heavy menstrual periods and severe pain. After using the IUD, women may notice a reduction in bleeding and cramps, as the IUD thins the lining of the uterus.

- **Reducing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease**: Although some sources indicate that the IUD may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, this depends on how the IUD is inserted. If the IUD is punctured or embedded in the uterus, surgery may be required to remove it. The IUD also does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if an infection occurs.

- **Possible reduction in the risk of some types of cancer**: Some studies suggest that using the hormonal IUD may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, by stimulating immunological and biochemical changes in the uterine environment.

With this, we have reviewed the most important information about the hormonal IUD and its benefits, which helps women make an informed decision about contraception.

**Does the hormonal IUD cause infertility?**

No, the hormonal IUD does not lead to infertility. Like other hormonal contraceptives, the IUD does not affect future fertility, as most women return to the ability to conceive and give birth after its removal.

**What happens after the hormonal IUD is inserted?**

 

The IUD insertion process takes only a few minutes, and many women may experience:

- Cramps similar to menstrual cramps, which may be more severe.

- Feeling dizzy or faint after the IUD is inserted.

- Spotting (spotting) for 3 to 6 months.

After installation, it is important to ask about how long you should wait before having sex.

**Does the hormonal IUD affect your psychological state?**

 

Yes, this type of IUD can affect your psychological state. According to Harvard Medical School, there is a small risk of depression when using hormonal contraceptives, although this possibility is small, it exists, due to the effect of progesterone.

**When should you avoid using the hormonal IUD?**

 

The hormonal IUD should not be used in the following cases:

- If you are pregnant.

- If you suffer from a pelvic infection.

- If you are prone to infection easily.

**How ​​is the hormonal IUD installed? And does it have side effects?**

 

A special device is used to install the hormonal IUD inside the uterus, and after installation, it must be ensured that it is placed correctly by ultrasound examination, which is the procedure followed in Dawy clinics. Inserting the IUD is a simple and quick process, and does not take more than a few minutes.

Most women do not notice any side effects from using the hormonal IUD, but in some cases, a woman may feel pain or cramps after insertion, and this feeling usually disappears after a few days. Light bleeding may also occur during the first three months after insertion. In general, the hormonal IUD is considered a very safe and effective method of contraception, as the chance of pregnancy with correct use is less than 1%.

How does the hormonal IUD work?

 

The hormonal IUD is a small, flexible device in the shape of the letter "T", which contains a reservoir filled with the hormone progestin. It is inserted inside the uterus by a specialist doctor. The IUD releases a small dose of progestin continuously, which increases the thickness of the mucus layer in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move freely to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thin. This method is 99.8% effective, and can be used by women who find it difficult to use other methods of contraception, such as combined birth control pills, such as women who suffer from migraines.

Does the hormonal IUD cause pain?

 

The hormonal IUD insertion process can be uncomfortable, but a local anesthetic can be used. It is best to consult a doctor before the procedure. You may feel cramps similar to menstrual cramps after insertion, but the pain can be relieved with painkillers. After inserting the IUD, the doctor should perform a check-up after 3 to 6 weeks to make sure everything is okay.

Can bleeding occur after inserting the hormonal IUD?

 

The hormonal IUD can cause irregular bleeding and light vaginal bleeding during the first six months of use. A woman may feel pain when the IUD is inserted, in addition to cramps or back pain for a few days after light bleeding between irregular periods. These symptoms usually go away within 3-6 months after 

The body adapts to the IUD. However, not all women experience these symptoms, as many of them use the hormonal IUD without any problems.

Can the hormonal IUD be used for more than 5 years?

 

The hormonal IUD can be used for up to five years, depending on its type. After that, it must be replaced with a new one.

Which is better: the hormonal IUD or the regular IUD?

 

The preference for using one type over the other is determined based on several factors. For example, the hormonal IUD is preferred for women who suffer from heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the type that is most suitable for you.

The shape of the hormonal IUD

 

The hormonal IUD is shaped like the letter "T" and is placed in the uterus by passing through the vagina and cervix. The IUD is made of flexible plastic, with thin plastic threads hanging from the cervix.

How the hormonal IUD works

 

The hormonal IUD contains the progestin hormone levonorgestrel, which takes up to a week after insertion to start preventing pregnancy. This hormone works to prevent pregnancy in two ways:

1. Increase the thickness of the mucus in the cervix, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

2. The hormones in the IUD prevent the egg from leaving the ovaries, which prevents ovulation, and thus the absence of an egg for fertilization.

One of the advantages of the IUD is that its effectiveness lasts for years, and if you want to get pregnant, you can visit a doctor to remove it, which restores your fertility to normal. The effectiveness of the hormonal IUD reaches 99%, and lasts from 3 to 5 years, but it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

**Is the hormonal IUD healthy?**

 

The hormonal IUD is considered one of the best long-term contraceptives, as it can remain effective for more than three years, making it an ideal choice for women who do not prefer to use pills. It can be easily removed by a specialist doctor, and does not affect the speed of fertility return after removal. It can also be used during breastfeeding.

**Does the IUD affect bones?**

 

The hormonal IUD has no effect on bones or varicose veins.

**When is the hormonal IUD inserted?**

 

The hormonal IUD can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle, after ensuring that there is no pregnancy, or immediately after childbirth.

**Does the IUD affect weight?**

 

Some women who use the hormonal IUD complain of weight gain, but there is no direct relationship between them, as this is often attributed to water retention in the body. Some women may notice an increase in weight while others notice a decrease in it. It is important to note that the IUD may cause fluid retention due to the hormones in it, which may lead to weight gain. However, there is no conclusive evidence to prove a relationship between the hormonal IUD and weight gain, as studies indicate that hormonal contraceptives in general do not cause weight gain.

**How ​​effective is the hormonal IUD?**

 

The hormonal IUD is an effective method of contraception, as its effect can last from 3 to 5 years, and may extend to 8 years depending on its type. Its success rate in preventing pregnancy is more than 99%.

**How ​​to install the hormonal IUD**

 

The hormonal IUD can be installed at any time of the month, but it is preferable to do so during the menstrual period when the cervix is ​​slightly open. The installation process is performed by the doctor in the clinic and usually takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The installation steps include the following:
1. Lie on the examination bed.
2. Insert a speculum into the vagina to maintain its opening.
3. Cleanse the vagina and cervix.
4. Measure the length of the uterus.
5. Place the IUD in the installation tube, then insert it through the cervix into the uterus.
6. Secure the IUD in place by gently pulling the installation tube, allowing the IUD arms to release.
7. Remove the tube from the uterus.
8. Cut the IUD string to be approximately 2 to 5 cm long in the vagina.

**Is the hormonal IUD insertion painful?**

 

A woman may feel some pain and cramps during the IUD insertion process, and in some rare cases the pain may be severe. There are several ways that can help relieve pain, such as:

- Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen before the insertion appointment.
- Using a local anesthetic such as lidocaine gel.
- Taking anti-anxiety medications such as lorazepam.

**After the hormonal IUD insertion**

 

After the IUD insertion, some women may experience cramps in the lower abdomen, which can be relieved by using painkillers or applying warm compresses to the abdomen. Some women may also experience irregular vaginal bleeding that lasts for several months after insertion. It is important to ensure that the IUD is in place by checking its string in the vagina once a month and checking that there is no change in its length.

**Advantages of the hormonal IUD**

 

The hormonal IUD has many advantages and benefits, the most prominent of which are:

- Highly effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Reducing the abundance of menstruation in women who suffer from heavy menstruation.
- Reducing menstrual cramps.
- Contributing to the treatment of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Easy to install in one session without the need for repeated visits to the doctor.
- The possibility of using it safely for breastfeeding women.
- Its long duration of effectiveness that may reach 8 years.
- Return of fertility immediately after removing the IUD.
- Comfort during intercourse without effect.

**Disadvantages of the hormonal IUD**

 

Despite the advantages of the hormonal IUD, it has some disadvantages, the most prominent of which are:

- Suffering from side effects resulting from hormones.
- Changes in menstrual pattern.
- The need to visit a doctor to install it.
- Feeling pain and discomfort during and after installation.
- Not providing protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Its high cost compared to the copper IUD.

**Harms of the hormonal IUD**

 

The hormonal IUD can cause side effects in some women due to the hormones it contains, including:

- Changes in the menstrual cycle pattern.
- Increased menstrual pain.
- Headache.
- Nausea.

- Breast pain.
- Vaginitis.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Acne.
- Hair loss.
- Decreased sexual desire.

**Contraindications for using the hormonal IUD**

 

You should avoid using the hormonal IUD in the following cases:

- If you currently have breast cancer or have had it in the past.
- If you have uterine or cervical cancer.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids, that may affect the placement or retention of the IUD.
- If you have severe pelvic inflammatory disease or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- If you have vaginitis, cervicitis, or genital tract inflammation.
- If you are allergic to any of the components of the Mirena IUD.
- If you are at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

In addition, you should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

- If you are taking medications, including over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements.
- If you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
- If you have a heart condition or a history of heart attacks.
- If you suffer from migraines.
- If you have blood clotting problems or a history of strokes.
- If you have recently given birth or are breastfeeding.