Intrauterine System

The T-shaped contraceptive device which is made up of plastic, which is placed inside the uterus, is termed the intrauterine system. The intrauterine device and the intrauterine have similar shapes. This device stimulates the release of progesterone into the woman’s body.

The cervical opening will have two fine threads coming out of it where as the rest will be present on the vagina’s top. This is normally inserted during the menstrual periods or just after it.

If the intrauterine system is fixed during the first five days of menstrual cycle of a woman, then the protection against pregnancy is immediate. If it is inserted in other conditions, then she may have to use additional methods of contraception for one week. A woman who uses an intrauterine contraceptive system will be protected from being pregnant for about ninety nine percent.

The intrauterine system is effective for almost five years.

How does an intrauterine system work

The sperm is prevented from reaching eggs. The progesterone which is released by the intrauterine system causes the thickening of the mucus which is present in the cervix.

The lining of the womb of the woman is made thin to such an extent where it rejects the fertilised egg. But in certain cases, the ovulation itself will be absent. In normal cases, even after the insertion of intrauterine system the women ovulate.

Use of an intrauterine system

The use of intrauterine system is similar to using any other method of contraception which is of a non-barrier nature. Intrauterine system is a reversible contraceptive method which has proven to be effective in almost ninety nine percent of the cases. But a woman is not protected against the infections and diseases that are transmitted sexually.

Who can use intrauterine system for contraception

The family history as well as the medical history of the woman is analysed thoroughly for determining whether the woman can opt for using intrauterine system for contraception.

The flowing are a few examples where the women cannot opt for inserting intrauterine system as the method of contraception:

• Women who have cancer in her womb
• Women who have cancer in her breasts
• Women who have cancer in her ovary or ovaries
• A woman who is suffering from disorders related to liver
• A woman who has incurred myocardial infarction or heart attack
• A woman who had stroke earlier
• If the woman has undergone artificial implant of the heart valves
• Any bleeding for which the reason cannot be diagnosed
• The woman has any problems in her cervix or womb.
• A woman who has not been treated for the presence of any disease that had been transmitted sexually cannot opt for this method of contraception.

Advantages

A woman who has never been pregnant can opt for using intrauterine system as the most feasible method of contraception.

The fertility of a woman is not affected after its removal.

A woman who is suffering from Premenstrual syndrome can opt for this method as it will aid in the pain that is experienced during the periods. It will also help in the woman to have shorter and lighter periods.