Gynecology

What Are IUDs Used For?

An IUD is a form of long-term birth control. It is usually a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus to provide long-acting reversible contraception that is highly effective. 

IUDs offer a good alternative to permanent contraceptive methods such as sterilization. They are also useful in situations where the use of estrogen-containing contraceptives is contraindicated. 

In addition to its contraceptive effect, the levonorgestrel intrauterine device can treat menorrhagia, symptomatic fibroids, and endometriosis.

Types of IUDs

There are two types of IUDs approved for use—hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. 

Copper IUDs 

The copper-releasing IUD is a T-shaped polyethylene device with 382 mm of exposed surface area of copper on its stem and arms. Barium sulfate is added to the device to make it radiopaque. 

It releases copper ions, which work by interfering with sperm mobility and inciting a foreign-body reaction that creates a spermicidal environment. 

A 3 mm plastic ball is located at the base of the IUD, through which the monofilament thread passes. The thread lets the provider and the patient ensure the IUD stays in position and is used to pull it out of the uterus if removal is required. 

Once inserted, a copper IUD can remain inside the uterus for up to 10 years. Contact Doctor Medica’s team to find out where you can buy copper IUD online. 

Hormonal IUDs 

The hormone-releasing IUD is a T-shaped device that contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel. The hormone gets released at a rate of 20 mcg per day. 

Levonorgestrel thickens the cervical mucus, creating a barrier to sperm penetration through the cervix, thinning the uterine lining, and preventing ovulation. Once inserted, a hormonal IUD can remain in place for up to five years. 

Contact Doctor Medica’s team to find out how to buy hormonal IUD online at the best rates. 

IUD Contraindications 

IUD insertion is contraindicated for patients who have:

• Confirmed or suspected pregnancy
• Immunodeficiency disorders
• Immunosuppressive therapy
• Acute liver disease or liver carcinoma
• Known or suspected pelvic malignancy
• Breast carcinoma
• Copper allergies
• Genital actinomycosis
• History of ectopic pregnancy
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Jaundice
• Multiple sexual partners for the patient or her partner
• Postpartum endometritis or septic abortion in the previous three months
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Uterine abnormality
• Wilson’s disease

IUD Administration Technique

IUDs should be inserted only by a licensed medical professional after a thorough consultation with the patient. 

The equipment required for the procedure includes:

• Cervical tenaculum
• Cotton balls dipped into an antiseptic solution or povidone-iodine (Betadine) swabs
• Long suture scissors
• Ring forceps
• Sterile and non-sterile examination gloves
• Sterile IUD package with IUD
• Sterile tray for the procedure
• Sterile vaginal speculum
• Uterine sound

Administration Procedure for Copper IUDs

• Stabilize the cervix with a tenaculum 
• Place local anesthesia (such as 5% lidocaine gel) in the cervical canal 
• Use sterile uterine sound to determine the depth of the uterine cavity (IUD should not be inserted if the depth of the uterus is less than 6 cm) 
• Remove the IUD from the sterile package 
• Align the blue flange with the IUD arms and set at the distance the uterus was sounded 
• Place the white inserter rod into the insertion tube at the opposite end of the arms of the IUD 
• Insert the IUD into the uterus until the flange is against the cervical OS 
• Pull back the inserter tube approximately 2 cm so the arms spread to a “T” position 
• Slowly remove the insertion rob, insertion tube, and the tenaculum 
• Cut the threads emerging from the canal to a length of 3 cm 
• Note the length of the thread in the patient’s record for future reference 

Administration Procedure for Hormonal IUDs 

• Stabilize the cervix with a tenaculum 
• Place local anesthesia (5% lidocaine gel) in the cervical canal 
• Use a sterile uterine sound or an endometrial aspirator to determine the depth of the uterine cavity. The IUD should not be inserted if the depth is less than 6 cm.
• Remove the IUD from the sterile package and release the threads from behind the slider 
• Place the slider at the top of the handle nearest the IUD, ensuring the arms of the device are horizontal 
• Pull on both threads to draw the IUD into the insertion tube. Ensure the knobs at the end of the arms cover the open end of the inserter
• Insert the IUD by holding the slider firmly at the top of the handle and gently placing the inserter into the cervical canal
• Advance the insertion tube into the uterus until the flange is situated at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 cm from the external cervical os
• Release the arms of the IUD by pulling the slider back until the top of the slider reaches the raised horizontal line on the handle 
• Push the inserter gently into the uterine cavity until the flange touches the cervix
• Release the IUD by pulling the slider all the way down while holding the inserter firmly in position
• Remove the inserter slowly from the uterus
• Cut the threads to a length of 2-3 cm and note down the length in the patient’s record

IUD Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with IUD insertion include: 

• Amenorrhea or absence of menstrual periods (7.36–11.59%)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (4.85–15.69%)
• Pelvic pain (11.12–14.27%)
• IUD expulsion and displacement (5%) 

Rare side effects include: 

• Uterine perforations (0.1 to 0.3%)
• Infection (less than 1%) 
• Hormonal complications 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Ectopic pregnancy 

Side effect risk can be reduced with thorough consultation before the procedure, proper administration technique, and sourcing IUDs from reliable sellers.

Where to buy IUDs online

If you’re a licensed medical professional looking to buy IUD online, contact Doctor Medica’s expert team today. We can guide you on where to buy copper IUD and hormonal IUD at the best rates.