Contraceptive Coils Over Daily Tablets.. Should You Try It?!

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About a week or two ago in the news, an Australian mum almost bled to death after having a contraceptive coil (intrauterine device) fitted in her uterus. In sight of that, I would like to take this opportunity to empower our readers about the advantages and disadvantages of using an intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive method; and also some of the precautions that you should be mindful of before having it inserted into your uterus.

Advantages¹

• Lighter & less painful periods
• Effectiveness of the device is not affected by other medicines
• No daily tablet taking
• Provides long term contraception (5 years)

Disadvantages¹

• Requires a doctor to insert & remove
• May completely stop your period or lead to irregular bleeding
• After insertion, the risk of a pelvic infection is increased for the first 3 weeks

Precautions (Considerations before IUD Insertion)²

• Genital Tract Infections: An IUD should not be inserted when there is an active infection
• Pregnancy: If a pregnancy occurs while the IUD is inside the uterus, there is a risk of miscarriage, premature birth and also infection
• Breastfeeding: It is safe to be inserted in lactating mothers but there is a slightly increased risk of puncture to the uterus
• Abnormal PAP smear: Investigate before inserting IUD
• Abnormal uterus: IUD should not be used because correct placement may not be possible
• Cancer(Uterus/Cervix): IUD should not be used because there is an increased risk of infection and bleeding
• Nulliparity(Never having given birth): Insertion may be more difficult and risk of IUD expulsion is higher
• After childbirth: Wait 6 weeks before inserting IUD, otherwise there is an increased risk of puncture to the uterus

In summary, IUDs definitely have a place in therapy but like any other devices/medicines, the risk versus benefits should always be considered before a decision is made and this is best done with your healthcare professional. For ongoing health and medicine updates, follow our Facebook page and Website!

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Comparison of Contraceptive Methods [Internet]. Australian Medicines Handbook [updated 2018 Jan; cited 2018 Apr 10]. Available from: https://amhonline.amh.net.au/chapters/obstetric-gynaecological-drugs/tables/contraceptives-table?menu=vertical
2. Australian Medicines Handbook. Levonorgestrel [Internet]. Australian Medicines Handbook [updated 2018 Jan; cited 2018 Apr 10]. Available from: https://amhonline.amh.net.au/chapters/obstetric-gynaecological-drugs/drugs-contraception/progestogens/levonorgestrel-iud

Published by Nick Ng