More and more modern women choose the method of contraception - the intrauterine device. It is this method that is considered the most effective and efficient, not counting female sterilization. How does the gynecological spiral work? This question often worries women who first decided to install it. The mechanism of action is that the intrauterine device increases the frequency of contractions of the fallopian tubes, that is, peristalsis, and the egg passes through the pipes much faster, without having time to attach. And also, the female spiral is a foreign body located in the uterine cavity, so a huge number of immune cells are concentrated in its cavity, which reject everything that enters the uterus (sperm, a fertilized egg).
It is important to know that the intrauterine device does not have a barrier function, its effect is to provoke rejection of a fertilized egg, that is, a mini-abortion at a very early stage. This method of contraception has both positive and negative sides, so a woman needs to consult a doctor before installing a spiral. It is he who will talk about the indications and contraindications of intrauterine contraception.
The intrauterine device has a lot of positive aspects. The use of a spiral guarantees almost one hundred percent protection against the onset of an unwanted pregnancy. And also it does not have a negative effect on the ovaries, they continue to work in the usual mode, that is, their main function (egg production) is not disturbed. As a rule, an intrauterine device is installed for up to five years, which is also very convenient for a woman. She does not need to take hormone pills daily or worry about local methods of contraception before each sexual act. The spiral can be used immediately after artificial or natural abortion, as well as after childbirth and during the lactation period.
But a woman should know and contraindications to the use of this method of protection. It is strictly forbidden to establish an intrauterine device for women with the following diseases: cancer or benign tumors, inflammation of the uterus or other genital organs. Intrauterine contraceptives are contraindicated in acute infectious and extragenital diseases, rheumatism in the active phase, extravaginal tuberculosis with fever and coli, chronic urinary tract diseases with frequent relapses. If a woman has a suspicion of pregnancy, then until her exact establishment or denial, intrauterine contraception is impossible.
After the woman underwent an examination, which did not reveal any contraindications, she can choose a spiral that is acceptable to her. Currently, there is a fairly large assortment of various spirals. They can have a different shape: ring-shaped, T-shaped (the most common and simple), spiral. In addition, the intrauterine device can contain hormones, therapeutic substances, as well as gold, copper and silver.
Gynecologists consider hormonal spirals to be very effective and popular . For five years, the hormones contained in the leg of the spiral evenly enter the body of a woman, which, in turn, leads to a high protective effect and the prevention of inflammatory processes in the uterus itself. Depending on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body, a hormonal excipient is chosen, it can be: levonorgestrel or progesterone.
The T-shaped spiral is also highly efficient. Copper, which is contained in it, has not only a contraceptive effect, but also anti-inflammatory. This type of spiral is very easy to use. It is important to know that spirals, which include silver, have low contraceptive effectiveness, so it is better to choose spirals containing both silver and copper.
Each intrauterine device should be selected individually by the gynecologist, taking into account all the contraindications and characteristics of the woman’s body.