IUD: Health Expert Busts Myths Around The Contraception Method

IUD, an intrauterine device or intrauterine contraception device, is an option available in India for women wanting to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is one of the few methods that is not for one-time use but offers protection from pregnancy for multiple years.

Much like any other contraception method, IUDs are also associated with many myths that have over the years made women hesitant to use them. We spoke to Dr Pooja Chaudhry Thukral, Associate Director at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad, to clear some of these doubts.

Types Of IUDs

People often ask about the different types of IUDs available in the market. Dr Thukral shared that in India women have two options – first is the copper IUD and the second is the hormonal IUD.

What Does A Copper IUD Do?

A copper IUD contains copper coils that produce an inflammatory reaction to which eggs and sperms are vulnerable. It helps to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This is the non-hormonal option.

What Does A Hormonal IUD Do?

A hormonal IUD comes with a plastic frame and releases progestin into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The hormone either thickens the mucus, partially suppresses ovulation or makes the endometrial lining thin. All these effects prevent the egg from fertilising.

Both kinds of IUDs are effective for three, five, and 10 years, depending on the variety you choose and the period for which you want to avoid conception.

Myths Associated With IUD

Myth 1: An IUD Can Get Displaced

Dr Thukral said that one of the most common myths surrounding IUDs is that they can get displaced. People somehow believe that the device can travel from the uterus to the stomach or even to the chest.

The expert added that once the device is inserted inside the uterus, it stays there “like a seed inside a shell.” She also told us that there are very low chances of perforation or the device ejecting out of the body.

Therefore, if you have been worried that it might cause you harm or get stuck inside another organ, other than the uterus, you can trust the expert.

Myth 2: An IUD Can Cause Infertility

Can an IUD cause infertility? This is among the frequently asked questions on Google. Dr Thukral said that it is a common misconception that people have, and there is no truth behind this myth.

In most cases, an IUD is safe for insertion, and doctors ensure that it does not lead to any sort of pelvic infection. Once inserted inside the body, the device carries out its function without hampering the functionalities of other organs.

If a woman with IUD wants to start planning a family, she can get the device ejected by an expert. Once the device is out, you are good to go with pregnancy. In a few cases, it might take time, but eventually, the egg will fertilise.

Myth 3: An IUD Can Lead To Ectopic Pregnancy

First of all, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg gets implanted outside the uterus. It could be in the fallopian tube too. Whenever conception happens, a doctor always ensures that it is not an ectopic pregnancy.

How many people still get pregnant with an IUD? Dr Thukral says that with the types of IUDs there is a one in 100 chance of getting pregnant. It means for 100 women using an IUD, only one might get pregnant. For sure, the device does not increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy.

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Myth 4: Reduces Sex Drive & Pleasure

Can guys feel an IUD? Dr Thukral said that the device does not hinder pleasure for men and women. On the contrary, it relieves women from the worry of getting pregnant.

With an IUD, a person does not have to worry about religiously taking pills or using condoms. Should you use IUD with a condom?You can because it will offer double protection. The device can only prevent pregnancy, and a condom is the only option to create a barrier against sexually transmitted diseases.

Your partner can only feel the IUD thread if it is coming out.

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Myth 5: Unmarried Women Cannot Use An IUD

Can a girl use an IUD? This is one of the common myths that an unmarried woman or a person who never had kids cannot get the device inserted. Apart from societal constructions, there are no medical barriers to which women can and cannot use it.

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If you wish to get an IUD inserted inside the uterus, you must consult a doctor first.