The copper intrauterine (IUD) system and the hormonal intrauterine system (SIU) are long-term contraceptive methods, which are placed in the uterus. Advantages, disadvantages and differences … We guide you to choose your IUD.
What if you choose IUDs as a means of contraception? First of all, “We should no longer talk about ‘IUD’ because this term vehicles the idea that this device can make sterile, which is false “, warns Doctor Teddy Linet, gynecologist. That is why doctors speak more often Copper diu, for intrauterine and hormonal or Siu Siu on levonorgestrel for intrauterine system. The best known SIU is Mirena®. How to choose?
What differences between copper IUD and hormonal IUD?
For the IUD, it is copper that acts as a contraceptive, Mainly by blocking the sperm. The hormonal siu, meanwhile, contains a Progestive hormone which acts on the cervical mucus by tightening its mesh. This mucus is between the vagina and the uterus, and will therefore prevent the passage of sperm. These two devices measure approximately 4 cm and are placed in the uterus, during a gynecological consultation. Good to know: contrary to popular belief, The woman can choose the IUD as a way of contraception, even if she has never had any children before.
What are the advantages of the Copper and Hormonal SIU?
The first advantage of these contraceptive methods is their effectiveness: The copper IUD is 99.95% effective and the hormonal Siu at 99.8%. As a comparison, the Estroprogestative pill, the vaginal ring and the microprogestative pill are 92%effective, and the 85%condom.
► In both cases, this is long contraception: The copper IUD acts more than 10 years and the Hormonal Siu five years. “”Some scientific studies even prove that Mirena® is effective seven years“, Underlines Doctor Linet.
► It is not necessary with a IUD or SIU to observe annual surveillance in a gynecologist or a midwife. “”The risk of expulsion of the system only exists during the first weeks after installation, and mainly in young women. The follow -up will therefore depend on each woman: every year if it reassures her, every three years otherwise“Explains Doctor Teddy Linet.
► The hormonal SIU gradually decreases the volume of the rules because it prevents the uterus from making the uterine mucosa. It therefore allows regulate too abundant rules. “”In general, with this contraceptive, women keep rules once a month but menstruation can disappear in some cases“, Details the gynecologist.
► The copper IUD leaves a “natural” menstrual cycle and does not contain hormoneswhich represents a definite advantage for women who endure them badly.
► The copper IUD can be used as catch -up contraception : It is possible to set a IUD within five days a report at risk of pregnancy and is more efficient – and more durable – than a pill of the next day.
► The copper IUD and the hormonal siu are Without impact on fertility. “”The fertility period is the same as with the other methods, that is to say between three and six months after the cessation of contraception“, Details Teddy Linet.
What are the disadvantages of the copper and hormonal SIU?
► If the copper IUD does not modify the menstrual cycle, it generally generates increased bleeding. “”The volume of the rules increases in particular over the first six months, then becomes more acceptable“Observe Doctor Linet.”It is therefore not recommended for women with already abundant rules“He adds.
► The Hormonal Siu decreases the volume of rules and can sometimes delete them. “”This can represent a drawback for women who are stressed by the absence of rules, because of the risk of pregnancy that it can represent“, Reveals the gynecologist.
► A doubt persists on theuse of menstrual cut – or “cup” – with an IUD. “”Some patients testify to a suction cup effect when they remove their menstrual cut. One of the solutions is exceptionally cutting the sterilet threads shorter than usual, to prevent them from being affected when the menstrual cup withdrawn. The woman who uses a ‘cup’ and who wishes to put a IUD can therefore ask her practitioner to cut the wires of the IUD slightly shorter than usual to avoid this kind of incident “, Advises Doctor Teddy Linet.
► risk of infection at the DIU or Siu is low, but it exists : “This risk is less than one percent over the first three weeks, because of the installation itself, and falls to one per thousand beyond. But if the woman suffers from a sexually transmitted infection (IST), the risk of infection will be higher“, warns the gynecologist.
► Finally, the IUD and the Siu are contraindicated in women who have uterine malformation or uterine fibroids And in the woman who had in the three months preceding the installation a genital infection of the uterus or the tubes.
Thank you to Doctor Teddy Linet, gynecologist in Challans (Vendée).
