ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

What is an IUD and how to manage its side effects

Having a T-shaped stick inserted into the uterus may sound difficult at best, terrifying at worst. However, do you know this is a preferred birth control method? IUD is a birth control device inserted into the uterus, positioned just above the cervix. IUDs can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Despite the high rate of effectiveness, both types have prominent side effects. Thus, here are some tips for managing the side effects of IUDs proactively.

What is an IUD?
An IUD, or Intrauterine Device, is a tiny, plastic, T-shaped contraceptive device inserted into the uterus. Once it’s positioned in place, it will work to intercept the pregnancy by preventing the entry of sperm and thus avoiding egg fertilization (non-hormonal) and thickening the cervical mucus, and modifying the environment of the fallopian tubes and uterus (hormonal). The device may also cease ovulation altogether based on the type of IUD you choose. Typically, IUDs, once inserted, remain effective between 3 and 12 years.

What to expect from an IUD insertion?
An IUD insertion will be performed at the doctor’s office. The healthcare professional might suggest a prescription plan to dilate the cervix or administer the local anesthetic to numb the area beforehand.

During the process, the doctor will use an instrument known as a speculum and place it in the vagina. This device will make space for the insertion of the IUD device into the cervical canal. The process causes discomfort, cramping, and might induce bleeding. Some people might experience lightheadedness or dizziness during the process.

What are the side effects of an IUD?
The side effects of an IUD device typically develop right after the insertion of the IUD device and might last for a few weeks. Let’s explore some of the common side effects of an IUD.

Pain
Pain is one of the usual side effects of an IUD, which will vary depending upon the patient’s hormonal levels and other health factors.
Cramping
Cramping is common during menstrual periods. However, when you have a high level of pain after the IUD insertion, it could be due to the device.
Heavy bleeding
IUDs usually alter the menstrual periods and result in irregular bleeding or blood flow. Women will mostly experience the side effect within a month after the IUD insertion.
Infection
Infection occurs due to the entry of bacteria through the cervix or uterus, which is common in the first few days after insertion.
Irregular periods
If you are on a hormonal IUD, your regular menstrual cycle might cease together, or you may get light menstruation.
Embedment
It occurs when the IUD devices are attached to the uterus wall. It is common when you are breastfeeding or have recently delivered a baby.
Perforation
It refers to the IUD moving towards the walls of the uterus, which also happens during the breastfeeding stage.

How to manage the side effects of an IUD?
Like any other birth control method, the side effects of an IUD can be mild to severe and might resolve after a few weeks. However, if it lasts long for months, it is extremely important to consult with your healthcare professional to prevent any life-threatening situations. Here are a few effective tips that can help with the side effects of an IUD.

Tip 1: Discuss your complete health history with the doctor
The most effective way to manage or prevent the side effects of IUDs is to ensure that the doctor has your complete healthcare history. Consult with your physician and tell them if you have the following:

Already have an inserted IUD
Are pregnant
Have delivered a baby recently
Have or ever had a severe pelvic infection
Have an untreated genital infection
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
Have a heart attack, stroke, and problems in the heart valve
Have signs of cancer
Have migraines or severe headaches
Have liver-related diseases
Have HIV/ AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases
Have problems in the immune system.

Tip 2: Follow the prescription plan
Any cramps are likely to be worse for about a week after the insertion, which may improve over time. However, if the cramps become severe or for a long time, it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional. In general, healthcare professionals suggest women follow a specific prescription plan to manage the side effects of IUD devices, including cramps and pain.

Tip 3: Check the position of the device once in a while
Check the placement of the IUD device at least once per month to manage the physical side effects. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to carry out this process. Each IUD device has threads that are designed to protrude from the cervix into the vagina. If there is a lack of threads or it is too long, the IUD device cannot be nestled in the right place, leading to pain and irritation. In such cases, make sure to consult with the healthcare professional immediately.

Tip 4: Abstain from sexual intercourse when required
At certain times, a part of the IUD device will come out of the uterus (expulsion) or might pierce the uterine lining (perforation). The problem will be indicated by unusual symptoms like sharp abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. To manage these side effects, consult with your healthcare professional and abstain from sexual intercourse or use an alternative method of birth control.

Tip 5: Check out the self-care measures as recommended by your doctor
Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to gain essential nutrients and prevent dizziness and cramps during the menstrual cycle after going through the IUD approach.
Apply a warm and moist heat pack to the pelvic region, just below the belly, to ease discomfort and cramping.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothes during the IUD insertion and even for a few days after the procedure.
Incorporate effective pelvic floor exercises into your daily routine to strengthen the muscles for IUD insertion.
Perform yoga or meditation to manage stress and relieve the pelvic pain caused by the IUD insertion.

IUDs are commonly preferred among women as they are reliable and comfortable options for birth control and management. IUD I, prepared by the United States Food and Drug Administration, is a reliable and safe contraceptive. However, women still experience some bothersome side effects at times. Even though the mild side effects from IUD devices are common and can be treated at home, make sure to contact your healthcare professional if you are experiencing any severe side effects.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.