The contraceptive coil, or intrauterine device (IUD), is a low-maintenance birth control method that can last up to 10 years. The hormonal version releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy, while the copper version naturally kills sperm. Both types can be inserted quickly by a doctor and require a secondary form of birth control for a few weeks after insertion. The hormonal version can reduce bleeding and cramping during menstrual cycles, while the copper version may increase them for some women. Neither type protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
A contraceptive coil, also known as an intrauterine device (IUD), is a form of birth control for women that can last anywhere from five to 10 years. It’s a small, T-shaped device that’s inserted vaginally and, in most cases, stays in place until removed by a doctor. The hormone version slowly releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy, while the copper version naturally kills sperm. This type of birth control can be entered quickly and easily and is one of the most low-maintenance birth control methods available.
A hormonal contraceptive coil can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. It not only kills sperm but also thickens the cervix to prevent it from entering. It thins the lining of the uterus, thus making it extremely difficult for any fertilized egg to implant and grow into a fetus. This triple protection against pregnancy and the five-year duration of protection have made this contraceptive coil more and more popular with women. In the first year after implantation, only one in 1,000 women become pregnant.
The original IUD is shaped very similar to the hormonal version; instead of a progesterone release, however, this contraceptive variant relies on copper coils that are wrapped around the t-shaped device to prevent pregnancy. Copper is naturally deadly to sperm cells, killing them before they reach the cervical opening. Due to the fact that this type of birth control does not rely on artificial hormones to protect against unwanted pregnancies, it can safely remain inside a woman for up to 10 years. Unlike hormonal contraceptive coils, however, it cannot prevent pregnancy if any sperm make it past the copper. In the first year after implantation, approximately six out of 1,000 women become pregnant.
Both types of contraceptive coils can be inserted in minutes by a doctor. Although the procedure is usually not painful, especially for women who have already given birth, a local anesthetic is used in some cases to reduce any discomfort. Depending on a woman’s medical history, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent any possible infection. For the next few days, a woman can expect to experience mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting.
After the IUD is inserted, a secondary form of birth control is needed for about four to six weeks. A follow-up examination then ensures that the contraceptive coil is still in place. At this point, for women in a relationship, the second form of birth control can be stopped. It is important to note that a birth control coil does not protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or HIV/AIDS. If it is possible to contract any of these diseases, a condom should be used during every sexual intercourse to ensure a woman’s health.
For the next 10 to 10 years, depending on the type of IUD used, a woman only needs to check that the coil is in place after each menstrual cycle. A small plastic string can be felt inside the vagina to make sure the IUD is in place. During insertion and the follow-up exam, the doctor usually shows the patient how she feels about the device.
The hormonal contraceptive coil can reduce bleeding during menstrual cycles, shorten them and minimize cramping. The copper version, however, may increase bleeding and cramping for some women. Both types of IUDs should not be inserted during pregnancy or used by those with liver disease or a pelvic infection. Unlike the oral contraceptive, rings, and patches, the IUD is virtually free from human error; some studies have shown that it may even reduce a woman’s risk of developing certain types of cancer. As with any birth control method, however, a woman should discuss all of her options with her doctor to help make the best decision.
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