Is Getting an IUD Worth the Risks?

Updated on May 6, 2023

 

Birth control methods are getting popular in today’s world. Many couples now have the choice to plan their pregnancies. Some people may want to put having kids on hold for a couple of years, or a young girl may choose to enjoy her sex life without further complications. Whatever the reason may be, it is essential to choose a birth control method that is safe and effective. 

One of the most popular yet controversial methods is the so-called intrauterine device (IUD). Taking a birth control pill for twenty-one days seems like a complicated task. Also, emergency pills come with complications and should not be taken after every sexual encounter. They are known as ’emergency’ pills for a reason.  

image 8

Image source: Unsplash.com

Condoms can break during sexual intercourse. Hence, more and more women are relying on IUDs to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Well, getting an IUD is not free from risks. So, is it worth all the risks? Let’s find out. 

What is an IUD? 

IUDs are contraception devices that are inserted into the vagina. Mostly, an IUD is a T-shaped medical device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Couples may decide not to get pregnant for a couple of years, and some women might choose not to get pregnant before marriage at all.

Regardless of the reason, the big benefit of intrauterine devices is that they can be removed when a woman is ready for pregnancy. But you must speak to a doctor about whether it is the safe choice for you as there are certain risks involved. 

  • Some women might feel dizzy or have a feeling of nausea after the device has been inserted. It will last for few minutes. 
  • There’s a risk of copper allergy or Wilson’s disease.
  • There might be abnormal internal bleeding after placing the device. 
  • You might get a pelvic inflammatory disease, a type of bacterial infection that causes pelvic pain and infertility (in some cases). 
  • It might cause ovarian cysts, too and you might need to undergo surgery to take them out. 
  • If the IUD attaches to the uterine wall, you may need surgery to remove it. 
  • 10 out of 100 IUDs may get pushed out of the uterus. This is known as expulsion. Hence, it would help if you headed to the gynecologist to check whether it’s in place or not. 

Hold that thought! You must know that there are two types of IUDs: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. 

Using a hormonal IUD may cause decreased sex drive, chest pain, depression, hair loss, irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, weight changes, fatigue, and vaginal odor. 

In case you are using a copper IUD, it may cause weight gain, breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, heavy periods, and discomfort. 

Is an IUD Worth It? 

You will be experiencing discomfort when the IUD is placed in your uterus. But should you go through all of it? 

IUD is a popular birth control method. If you are not ready to have a baby due to other priorities, IUDs can be considered. But, once again, you must check with your gynecologist as some women are more prone to significant risks. Not every woman’s body is similar, and certain health conditions worsen the side effects. 

The added advantage of IUDs is that you can forget about any other form of contraception for some years. It takes less than a minute to insert the device. But no matter what contraception method you use, there will be some side effects. Even missing your birth control pill for more than two to three days can lead to withdrawal bleeding. 

To Wrap It Up

If a defective or improperly placed IUD caused you an injury, you could get compensation for the medical bills, suffering, and pain. A personal injury attorney will help you get the compensation you are due from either the manufacturer or a negligent doctor. 

So, don’t worry excessively about the risks and complications. Speak to your treating doctor, and if she/he gives you the green light, you can get an IUD, which should protect you against unwanted pregnancies for many years.

image 7

As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. He aims to draw in the public and make people more interested in the field. He is active on multiple platforms to increase his outreach to the public. Leland tirelessly covers all types of legal issues, but he has a personal preference for medical malpractice. This is mainly because he witnessed the implications of medical malpractice on a family member.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.