IUD Pros and Cons List
The IUD, thanks to its high level of convenience, is becoming one of the most popular forms of birth control worldwide. Women no longer have to worry about forgetting to take their birth control pills or using prophylactics that do not have a 100 percent success rate. With that in mind, let’s examine the pros and cons of IUD birth control.
List of Pros of IUD
1. Little Maintenance
The IUD works effectively with very little maintenance. Not only is the IUD effective, but it works in the manner it is supposed to do without a great deal of maintenance, which is important for the woman who is constantly on the go.
2. Does Not Compromise Future Fertility
After it has been put into place, there is no need for maintenance of any kind. Pregnancies can be prevented for up to a decade, depending on what type of IUD a woman chooses to install. It does so without compromising a woman’s future fertility. The only maintenance necessary is having a female doctor manually examine the vagina every so often so that she can make sure the IUD remains in place.
3. Effective for Long Term Use
Unlike other forms of birth control, which are far from foolproof, an IUD is the most effective form of birth control outside of a complete sterilization. On average, only 1 woman out of 100 is able to get pregnant after having an IUD installed. Plus, they are easy to remove, so if a woman has second thoughts, she can schedule another appointment and have it taken out.
4. High Success Rate
While a 1 in 100 pregnancy rate may seem high, it is minuscule as compared to the potential of 9 in 100 for vaginal rings, birth control pills and hormonal patches. Meanwhile, barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms have been proven to be even less effective, with a overall success rate of roughly 75 to 85 percent.
5. Less Outside Factors Impact Use
The installation of an IUD removes the human element from the equation when it comes to stopping unwanted pregnancies. Whereas other forms of birth control are dependent on the user, an IUD works regardless of any outside factors.
6. Peace of Mind
Pregnancies tend to happen because women forget to take their birth control pills, a condom failure, or any other variety of random occurrences. With an IUD, a woman is no longer leaving anything to chance, she is able to relax and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that she has significantly reduced her chances of experienced an unwanted pregnancy. No longer having to remember to take pills, use prophylactics, or put on a patch leads to a much less stressful existence, for all parties involved. Simply put, the IUD is the world’s most effective form of birth control, bar none.
List of Cons of IUD
1. Physically Uncomfortable
Just because the IUD is the most effective form of birth control currently available to women worldwide does not mean it is without its drawbacks. Every woman is not able to handle an IUD from a physical standpoint. Some women can feel the IUD inside of them and this sensation makes them incredibly uncomfortable.
2. Unnecessary Invasive Procedures if Ineffective
For others, the presence of the IUD leads to pain that they are unable to counteract, even with doctor prescribed pain medication. If an IUD is installed and it causes an intense amount of pain for the woman, then it will have to be removed, forcing a woman to undergo two invasive procedures for no gain.
3. Physical Side Effects
Women who use an IUD are at risk for certain side effects. Vaginal bleeding may occur at the time the IUD is installed and persist for weeks or even months after the initial procedure has taken place. The body requires time to adjust to the IUD’s presence. Doctors advise that bleeding could take place for up to five months after the IUD is put in.
4. Reduce Menstruation for Woman
A hormonal IUD has a side effect that some women may enjoy, while other will not. The hormonal IUD has been known to significantly reduce the bleeding a woman experiences during her monthly menstruation. Depending on one’s own personal view, this can be a pro or a con.
5. Risk of Complications with Procedure
There is also a slight risk that the uterus could be perforated during the procedure. While this is not the sort of complication that takes place on a regular basis and only occurs in less than 1 percent of all IUD installations, it is something that women should be aware of, especially those with a low threshold for pain.
6. Can Not Use if Suffer from STD
Women should be aware that an IUD is not to be placed inside of any female who is currently carrying any sort of bacterial infection or sexually transmitted diseases. A licensed physician should always test the woman before the IUD is placed to ensure that the environment is hospitable.
7. More Costs Involved
Arguably the biggest downside of all when it comes to an IUD is the cost. The majority of other birth control methods, such as pills and patches, are typically covered by health insurance policies. However, most health insurance companies view IUD placement as an elective procedure and do not foot the bill. Women should consult with their health care provider and see if they have coverage.
8. Does Not Provide Full Sexual Protection
It is also important to note that the presence of an IUD does not deter sexually transmitted diseases. For full protection, continued condom usage is recommended.