The problem of unwanted pregnancy has been relevant at all times. The child must appear by agreement of both parents. And to prevent a large number of abortions, many contraceptive methods have been created. These are special tablets, and vaginal suppositories, and even a patch. Navy spirals are also very common today. What are they? Let's try to figure it out.
What it is?
A small fixture made of metal or plastic is called a spiral. It is introduced into the uterine cavity in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. For the manufacture of devices most often used silver or copper. This method of contraception is very popular today. Efficiency reaches 98%. For women who have not yet given birth, it is undesirable to install an IUD (spiral). Reviews note that in this case, the risk of developing side effects significantly increases.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, a huge number of intrauterine devices were invented. The T-shaped devices, which easily entered the uterine cavity and prevented the development of pregnancy, turned out to be of the highest quality. The device was installed exclusively by a specialist in a medical institution. Before use, the patient is warned about the development of possible complications. This can be a violation of the menstrual cycle, erosion, infectious and inflammatory diseases, bleeding, spiral rejection. In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy develops.
You should be prepared for the fact that in the first days after the installation of the IUD spiral, discomfort in the lower abdomen, as well as pain during intercourse, can be felt. If such symptoms do not disappear within a week, you should consult a gynecologist.
The mechanism of action of the intrauterine device
It blocks several complex natural processes of the Navy. The intrauterine device, which contains copper, creates a harmful environment for sperm and the egg. Metal is secreted into the uterine cavity as long as the spiral is inside the body. Progesterone devices are also popular. The hormone, getting into the bloodstream, blocks ovulation, promotes thickening of cervical mucus. The egg does not mature at all, pregnancy does not occur.
The action of the
IUD (spiral) is also due to a change in the structure of the walls of the uterus. Even if fertilization occurs, the egg cannot be fixed inside the reproductive organ. As a result, menstrual bleeding occurs with a little delay. In rare cases, the egg is still fixed, but outside the uterus. Statistics say that the majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in those women who use the spiral for contraception.
A foreign body in the uterine cavity in itself gives a contraceptive effect. The walls of the uterus contract more intensively. Due to this, sperm and the egg cannot move normally.
The effectiveness of intrauterine devices is quite high due to the summation of various mechanisms of action. If the device is installed correctly, in 98% of cases it is possible to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Which spiral to use, it is better to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct all necessary tests and install the device. A significant plus is the long-lasting effect of contraception. IUD spirals can be in the uterine cavity for two to five years, depending on the quality and material of manufacture.
Inert IUD
The first semblance of modern Navy appeared in 1960 thanks to the scientist Margulis. Then a spiral device was created, which significantly reduced the risk of complications. All types of IUDs - spirals that are used today, have a linear design. Thanks to this, the device is easily inserted through a special plastic tube.
In 1962, the Lipps loop was first made. This device had threads that hung from the uterine cavity into the vagina. Due to this, a foreign body could be easily removed over time. The Lipps loop is rarely used today due to low efficiency. It is possible to protect against unwanted pregnancy in only 70% of cases. But in the second half of the 20th century, the device found wide application in family planning programs around the world. A similar IUD (spiral) helped protect many from an unwanted pregnancy. Side effects developed only in rare cases. The fixture was soft and flexible. Due to this, it was easily removed from the uterine cavity for medical reasons.
In the likeness of the Lipps loop, fixtures were created that are widely used today. Popular types of IUDs (spirals) will be described below.
Copper Spirals
These devices resemble a Lipps loop in shape. The main difference is the copper content. Metal is constantly secreted into the uterine cavity, preventing the development of the egg and the normal movement of sperm. Modern Navy spirals are made flexible and durable. They are easy to install and can be easily removed. Gynecologists distinguish models from manufacturers such as Paragard, Copper-T, Multiload, and Nova-T. There are also other copper-containing spirals that are made in the shape of an umbrella or ring. But such devices are not very effective. In addition, when using them, the risk of developing side effects significantly increases.
Multiload intrauterine contraceptives are made in the form of a semi-oval with small metal antennae. This form allows the device to better gain a foothold in the
uterine cavity
. Removing the spiral also does not cause major complications. Only a gynecologist should do this in a medical facility. The spiral of the Multiload company belongs to the middle price category. For the adaptation you will have to pay about 2500 rubles.
Also popular is the product of the manufacturer Nova-T. Navy - a spiral (installation of the device is very simple due to its special shape) - visually similar to the capital letter "t". Horizontal branches are made of high quality plastic. Such a device can be in the uterine cavity for a long period. Experts recommend changing it every 4-5 years. For the Nova-T spiral, you will have to pay about 2,000 rubles.
You can also use the economical model of domestic production "Juno Bio." Also made in the form of the letter "t" this Navy (spiral). Reviews of experts show that the device is highly effective for two years of use. In the future, it is desirable to replace it.
Hormone spirals
These devices combine the advantages of several types of contraceptives. They not only mechanically block the basic processes of fertilization, but also secrete a special hormone that is responsible for the development of the egg. IUD spirals are also made in the shape of the letter "t". The leg of the device is filled with progesterone and levonorgestrel. Side effects practically do not develop. Hormones enter the body evenly over several years. Most of these spirals can be used for 5-6 years.
The most expensive
hormonal spirals are produced by Mirena. But the device is really worth the money. Reviews of experts show that women who have installed the device significantly reduce the risk of developing inflammatory processes. The effectiveness of protection against unwanted pregnancy is 98%. The downside is only an increase in the number of menstrual flow. The problem is solved by using daily pads. A high-quality Navy - the Mirena spiral - will cost more than 8,000 rubles. You can find it in almost any pharmacy.
Experts do not recommend women who are not giving birth to use an IUD (spiral). Installing such a contraceptive is fraught with infertility. However, medicine does not stand still. A special type of IUD (Multiload spirals) containing hormones was invented. This is a spiral that can effectively protect against unwanted pregnancy for two years. The device is easily installed and removed in a medical facility.
Intrauterine device with silver
Silver has a disinfectant and antibacterial effect. It is no accident that this metal is widely used in the medical field. Navy (spiral) with silver - the choice of many women. Such a contraceptive will not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also treat the uterine cavity and reduce the risk of erosion. For sperm, silver is toxic. They die on the way to the egg. Due to this, the effect of using the IUD is increased. Most silver helixes can be used for about five years.
Silver has a positive effect on the uterine cavity. Metal is able to remove inflammatory processes. It is worth remembering only that it will not help to protect against sexually transmitted diseases, the IUD (spiral). Side effects will seem a minor problem compared to those infections that can be obtained if a woman leads a promiscuous sex life. The main purpose of the spiral is to protect against unwanted pregnancy.
For women who have not yet given birth, an IUD with a silver content is not installed. It should be prepared for the fact that menstruation after installing the contraceptive will become more painful and prolonged. If the spiral causes discomfort for a long period of time, it is better to remove it. Such contraceptive is not suitable for some women due to the special structure of the uterus.
An IUD with silver can be installed on any day of the menstrual cycle when there is no bleeding. After birth or abortion, a contraceptive is established after six weeks.
Gold Spirals
Any metal is susceptible to corrosion over time. The only exception is gold. This precious metal is fully compatible with the human body and almost never causes allergies. Gold intrauterine devices are suitable for women with increased sensitivity. Like a device with silver, the IUD (spiral) with gold has an anti-inflammatory effect. The risk of erosion is significantly reduced. The biggest drawback is only the cost of contraception. For one device you will have to pay more than 15,000 rubles. Validity does not exceed five years. Not every woman will agree to such expenses.
An intrauterine device with a gold content has a minimum of risks. The effectiveness of protection against unwanted pregnancy reaches 99%. Such devices, unfortunately, are not installed for women who have not yet given birth. But in the postpartum period, this spiral is perfect. A contraceptive allows a woman to recover faster after pregnancy and helps to heal small cracks in the uterine cavity.
Intrauterine device installation
At any pharmacy, you can buy an IUD (spiral). Photo models of a particular manufacturer can always be studied in the catalog. But you can’t enter a contraceptive on your own in any case. This is done by a qualified specialist in a medical institution. Before installation, the gynecologist is required to conduct a series of studies and analyzes. The only way to determine which type of spiral is suitable for a particular woman. In addition, the specialist must make sure that there are no contraindications.
The intrauterine device is not installed in women who have inflammation of the appendages. Initially, the disease should be cured, and only then choose the right contraceptive. Contraindications to the use of spirals are also infections that are sexually transmitted. Nulliparous women establish a spiral only in rare cases. Significantly increases the risk of infertility.
In most cases, specialists administer an IUD on the fourth day after the onset of menstrual bleeding. At this time, the cervix is slightly ajar, and there is almost no abundant discharge. In addition, it is this period that is the least suitable for conception. Before the full development of the egg remains for more than 7 days. You can begin to live sexually in a few days after installing the device.
Trust the installation of the IUD should only be a trusted specialist. The fact that this operation was performed incorrectly may indicate heavy bleeding for several days, as well as severe pain in the lower abdomen. An urgent consultation with a doctor is indispensable. Perhaps the inept actions of the specialist who installed the spiral caused damage to the uterine wall.
After installing the device, women note that menstruation becomes longer. This is absolutely normal. Worry should only be if bleeding is accompanied by sharp pains.
In 7-10% of cases, a spiral falls out of the uterus. This may be due to the special structure of the woman’s body. Most often, this situation is observed during menstrual bleeding. This is fraught with an unplanned pregnancy. Often women do not even suspect that the spiral has shifted.
IUD removal
There are several reasons for removing the spiral from the uterine cavity. Be sure to carry out the procedure after the expiration date of the device has ended. Also, the spiral is removed if there is a desire to have a baby, a tumor or inflammation of the appendages develops. Displacement of the contraceptive in the uterus is also an indication for its removal.
Only a specialist in a medical institution can remove the IUD (spiral). Removal - the procedure is completely painless if the woman is healthy. Do not independently carry out any manipulations. Thus, the walls of the uterus or the cervix can be damaged. The procedure is carried out in two stages. Initially, a gynecologist examines a woman, assesses the state of the spiral. If the patient did not consult a specialist in a timely manner, coalescence of the spiral with the walls of the uterus is possible. In this case, it will not be possible to safely remove the foreign body. If any complications arise, removal is carried out using hysteroscopy.
When can a spiral be removed? The IUD is most easily removed during menstruation. If necessary, perform local anesthesia. Hysteroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. If there is no way to get the spiral through the cervical canal, an operation is performed with the abdominal cavity opening.
To summarize
Choosing an intrauterine device as a method of contraception, you should weigh the pros and cons. This option is more suitable for women who have already felt the joy of motherhood and do not plan to give birth within five years. It is worth remembering that the spiral protects only from pregnancy. But for sexually transmitted diseases, the IUD is not a hindrance.
A woman who has installed an intrauterine device should regularly visit a gynecologist (at least twice a year) and monitor the condition of the genitals. A foreign body located in the uterine cavity can cause appropriate reactions from the genitourinary system. Inflammatory processes can develop that are fraught with unpleasant consequences. The most difficult of these is infertility. For this reason, nulliparous women are extremely undesirable to establish a spiral.
After the expiration date has passed, the IUD must be removed from the uterine cavity. A foreign body grows into the endometrium after 6-7 years. In this case, the spiral cannot be removed in the usual way. Do not avoid surgery. Other complications are also possible.