A child has been born and a young woman, in addition to caring for him, should think about preventing the onset of a new pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should be especially careful. During the lactation period, suitable means of protection against pregnancy are special hormonal drugs, barrier methods (for example, a condom), which are not considered convenient for long-term use, as well as a postpartum IUD (IUD). Many women ask questions: should they install an IUD after childbirth and how reliable is the IUD in preventing unwanted pregnancy? Let's try to figure them out.
Why should I get an IUD after childbirth?
- The effectiveness of protection against pregnancy is more than 90%;
- an intrauterine device after childbirth is installed for a period of 2 to 8 years;
- minimal side effects in the form of pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation or their absence at all;
- absence of any discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- quick installation and affordable price;
- no effect on milk secretion;
- absence of any negative effect on the child’s body.
What is a contraindication to inserting an IUD?
- Inflammatory diseases.
- Pathological structure of the uterus.
- Benign and malignant tumors of the genital organs and especially the uterus.
- Frequent change of sexual partners, as the risk of infection transmission increases.
- An IUD should not be placed in women who experience excessive metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding).
- For complications in the early and late postpartum period.
When is the IUD placed after childbirth?
The ideal time to insert an IUD is as soon as postpartum discharge stops, during the first menstruation, since this is when the manipulation is carried out with the least damage to the cervix. But due to the fact that during lactation many women do not have menstruation, an IUD can be inserted within the next 48 hours after the birth of the child while still within the walls of the maternity hospital. An intrauterine device after a cesarean section is installed only after a few months, when the pelvic organs have fully recovered. Then, once every six months, the woman needs to visit a gynecologist to monitor the position of the IUD in the uterine cavity.
Which IUD is better after childbirth?
Only a gynecologist has the right to determine which IUD to place after childbirth. The following types of IUDs exist:
- IUDs made of plastic and metal. The mechanism of action is very simple: they prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine mucosa. Currently used extremely rarely;
- Medicinal IUDs contain either a hormonal drug or copper ions. These IUDs affect various physiological processes: the thickness of the mucus of the cervical canal of the cervix, ovulation, the mobility of male germ cells, etc.
How is an IUD installed in the postpartum period?
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Before placing the IUD after childbirth, watch the video and photos, this will help you understand how it is installed and how it is located in the uterine cavity. The installation of an IUD is carried out only within the walls of the hospital by a gynecologist, after a preliminary examination of the pelvic organs and taking smears. The manipulation is carried out on a gynecological chair. Very often, an ultrasound is required to confirm the correct placement of the IUD. As a rule, a woman may feel slight discomfort during the procedure. It should be remembered that the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
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With the advent of a baby, the life of a new mother can be significantly adjusted. All the time is devoted to the child and family, sleepless nights, walks, diapers, feeding, etc. - all this greatly tires a woman, and she simply does not have time to think about herself. And this is very important! After all, after delivery, the mother’s body especially needs care and attention. For example, a woman should consider contraception after giving birth to protect herself from an unplanned pregnancy.
As a rule, most couples, violating medical recommendations, resume intimate life earlier than the recommended period, but the likelihood of getting pregnant during this period is too high. That is why the issue of contraceptives must be resolved immediately after discharge from the hospital, and even better - during pregnancy.
Methods of protection against unplanned pregnancy after childbirth
It is, of course, advisable to discuss the issue of contraceptive methods with your doctor while you are pregnant. If for some reason this did not happen, do not worry, because you can discuss this topic with the doctor at the maternity hospital. In any case, you cannot do without consulting a gynecologist. By choosing contraceptives on your own during breastfeeding, you risk not only your health, but also that of your baby. After all, many of them can negatively affect lactation and, accordingly, the well-being of the baby.
During lactation, a woman is allowed to use the following methods of contraception:
- Barrier, that is, the use of condoms. A classic method of protection against unplanned pregnancy, however, if used incorrectly, it does not provide a 100% guarantee.
- Oral (taking hormonal drugs)- is prescribed exclusively by a specialist, since not all existing drugs are approved during the period of breastfeeding.
- Installation of an intrauterine device- the most popular method after childbirth. The main advantages of the IUD are safety and long-lasting results (up to 5 years).
Which IUD is better to place after childbirth?
Today there is a wide range of gynecological devices. They differ in quality, shape, composition. The choice largely depends on the cost and, of course, the individual characteristics of the female body.
The rod of the IUD contains active substances, which provide protection against unplanned pregnancy, and due to its shape (T-shaped, ring-shaped, etc.), the contraceptive device is held inside the uterine cavity.
So, there are two main types of spirals:
- non-medicinal— made of polyethylene and contain metal (platinum, silver, etc.);
- medicinal(contain copper ions and progesterone) - in addition to the contraceptive effect, they have a positive effect on the ovulatory period, the structure of the endometrium, etc. In addition, such devices are less likely to cause complications and are better fixed in the uterine cavity. However, there is also a minus. Due to the rapid depletion of active components, they must be replaced after 1-3 years.
It is unrealistic to choose the most optimal type of spiral without consulting a doctor. Therefore, if you decide to think about this type of contraception, be sure to consult a gynecologist. Having studied your medical history, the specialist will be able to select the most effective and reliable type of gynecological device.
Features of IUD installation
An intrauterine device is installed or removed only in a clinical setting and only by a gynecologist. Before diagnosis, the patient must undergo examination and tests. Only in the absence of contraindications will the doctor be able to determine the date for inserting the IUD. The procedure is usually performed during menstruation. But since the cycle has not yet been fully restored in new mothers, the installation can be carried out at any time. If the birth took place without complications, then this can happen as early as 6-7 weeks from the moment the baby is born. Otherwise (for example, with a caesarean section), the procedure will have to be postponed for six months.
Installation of the IUD is quick and virtually painless. The shelf life of a gynecological device depends on the quality of manufacture; it can be a year, or maybe eight years. But this does not mean that the spiral needs to be worn as long as indicated in the instructions. If desired, it can be removed ahead of schedule.
In the first days after the procedure, the doctor will definitely recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse and avoiding physical activity, as well as not using tampons and refusing to visit the bathhouse or sauna. In the future, the IUD will not cause discomfort, and the woman can safely return to her usual lifestyle. However, after 10 days, and then again 6 weeks after installation, you must see a doctor to make sure that the spiral is attached correctly and there are no complications. In the future, visits to the doctor should be made regularly - twice a year. However, if alarming symptoms arise (menstruation irregularities, lower abdominal pain, fever, or the IUD threads cannot be felt), immediately go to the gynecologist.
Pros and cons of the IUD
Having discussed the types of IUDs and the principle of their installation, one cannot help but recall the positive and negative aspects of this method. The advantages of the IUD are:
- safety during lactation;
- long shelf life;
- 99% contraceptive effect;
- do not disrupt normal life;
- devices containing progesterone reduce pain and shorten the duration of monthly discharge;
- availability.
The disadvantages of the IUD include:
- discomfort and bleeding for the first two weeks after installation;
- long and heavy periods in the first three months after the procedure;
- the device provides a contraceptive result, but does not protect against infections;
- after the installation of the spiral, sudden changes in mood, skin reactions and decreased sexual desire may be observed.
Despite all the shortcomings, intrauterine devices are considered the most effective and safe method of contraception during the postpartum period. However, do not forget that the effectiveness of their action depends not only on the professionalism of the doctor, but also on an attentive attitude to your health.
The intrauterine type of contraception is one of the most common and effective ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy. The contraceptive effect of intrauterine contraceptives is achieved due to the systematic release of a hormonal component from the IUD, which prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg into the endometrium, or due to a spermicidal effect. with spermicidal effect may contain silver, copper or gold. The listed elements have a detrimental effect on male reproductive cells.
The hormonal type of IUD usually contains levonorgestrel. In the period after the birth of a child, the question of the most effective methods of protection against reconception is relevant for a woman. Specialists in the field of gynecology often prescribe intrauterine contraception to women in the postpartum period. The main uses of the IUD after childbirth will be discussed in detail below.
Operating principle and advantages of spirals
Many young mothers are interested not only in whether it hurts to insert an intrauterine device, but also what is the principle of its effect on the female body. The contraceptive effect of intrauterine contraception is directly related to its type. If the IUD contains the hormonal component levonorgestrel, then under its influence the process of implantation of a female fertilized egg into the uterine endometrium is disrupted.
This effect is achieved due to the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and an increase in the synthesis of estrogen, as well as luteinizing hormone. The contraceptive effect of spermicidal intrauterine devices is due to the presence of components that have a detrimental effect on male reproductive cells. Many women are prescribed an intrauterine device after childbirth, as this method of contraception has a number of advantages. These benefits include:
- Reducing the pain of menstruation, as well as suppressing premenstrual symptoms.
- Long-term contraceptive effect, which lasts about 5 years.
- High efficiency level of at least 98%.
- Compatible with many medications and alcohol.
- The therapeutic effect of the spiral for conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
- Rapid restoration of reproductive function after.
Not every woman is fitted with a contraceptive device immediately after childbirth, since certain indications are required to use this type of contraception.
Which IUD is better to use after childbirth?
If we talk about which IUD is better to place after childbirth, then you need to pay attention to the Mirena model. This product is T-shaped and contains a reservoir of levonorgestrel. The IUD has a high degree of protection against unplanned pregnancy.
In addition, Mirena is indicated for women with heavy menstruation, uterine fibroids and endometrial hyperplasia.
A non-hormonal type of IUD is more often prescribed to patients with pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes mellitus and other chronic pathologies that do not allow the use of hormones.
Indications and timing of IUD installation after childbirth
Before placing an intrauterine device after childbirth, a medical specialist assesses whether there are indications for using this type of contraception. The main indications for include:
- Increased level of fertility in a woman.
- Extragenital diseases identified after childbirth, in which repeated pregnancy is strictly contraindicated.
- The desire to protect the body from the onset of unplanned pregnancy for a long time.
The optimal time for postpartum installation of an IUD is determined by the attending gynecologist. The following criteria can be used as guidelines:
- After normal delivery. If a woman had a childbirth without complications, then the IUD can be installed in the maternity hospital or 6-8 weeks after the birth of the child.
- After a complicated course of the birth process. If the birth was complicated, the IUD can be inserted after at least 2-3 months. This period allows the female reproductive system to recover after a difficult birth process.
Contraindications
Before deciding which IUD is best to install after childbirth, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of absolute and relative prohibitions for using this contraceptive option. Absolute contraindications for the use of an IUD include:
Features of using spirals
There are some features of using an IUD in the postpartum period. The optimal time to install an IUD after childbirth is determined by the attending gynecologist. In addition, before installing the product, a woman needs to pay attention to the following recommendations:
- 7 days before the installation of the IUD, you must completely stop using vaginal suppositories, sprays, tablets and lubricants.
- 3 days before the installation of the IUD, it is recommended to refrain from intimacy.
- For 2 days, you should stop using any intimate hygiene cosmetics.
When breastfeeding
Under normal conditions, the IUD is inserted on days 5-7 of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. In patients during the period of natural feeding, menstrual function may be partially or completely suppressed, so an intrauterine device can be inserted during breastfeeding on any day, having previously discussed all the nuances with the attending gynecologist.
Important! In clinical practice, there are often situations where women become pregnant again while breastfeeding. Before installing an IUD, a breastfeeding woman must perform a pregnancy test and also take a blood test for hCG levels.
After caesarean section
An intrauterine device is installed after a cesarean section, no earlier than six months after the operation. This contraceptive option allows you to reliably protect the female body from unplanned conception, since after performing a cesarean section, a woman is strictly prohibited from becoming pregnant for 2 years. Before installing an intrauterine device after a cesarean section, the woman is carefully examined, and if there are contraindications, alternative birth control options are selected.
Complications and IUD removal
If the contraceptive installation technique is not followed, a woman may encounter the following complications:
- Exit of the spiral outside the uterine cavity.
- Painful sensations in the lower abdomen.
- Bloody spotting discharge from the genital tract.
- Formation of the inflammatory process in the pelvic area.
- Damage and deformation of the uterus.
Removal of the contraceptive is carried out by the attending gynecologist using special instruments.
After the procedure is completed, the woman is prescribed a control ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, as well as a laboratory analysis of the vaginal smear for pathogenic microflora. As a rule, the procedure for removing the coil does not cause discomfort or pain in a woman.
Conclusion
The selection of the type of IUD, its shape and timing of insertion after childbirth is carried out by the attending gynecologist. If a woman had an intrauterine contraceptive installed in the postpartum period, then every 5-6 months, she is recommended to have a medical consultation to assess her general condition and exclude complications.
After the birth of a child, many couples wonder whether they want more children. If parents decide to stop, then intrauterine protection may be one of the best options. Let's consider whether it is painful to place a device after the birth of a child, which device to place after childbirth, as well as the pros and cons of such protection.
Modern medicine has its positive and negative effects. For each woman, the most suitable type of protection will be different, since everyone has their own body and diseases.
Ladies with premenstrual syndrome, diseases of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, as well as those who have problems conceiving, are not suitable for oral contraceptives. You can simply forget to take the drug, and problems with menstruation will begin. The best option for all mothers is to insert an intrauterine device (IUD).
An intrauterine device after childbirth is one of the most effective and safest ways to control birth rates.
But only a doctor can help you choose a truly reliable and safe method of contraception.
Kinds
Intrauterine wires are most often a T-shaped device. Moreover, if a couple eventually wants more children, the device will not become an obstacle to this - it can simply be removed. How long does it remain effective? Depending on the type - a long time - from 5 to 10 years.
The most common mechanism is with a wound wire made of copper, silver or gold. Some can combine 2 metals at once.
Depending on the form there are:
- T-shaped;
- ring-shaped;
- in the shape of a complex ring;
- with lowered wire hangers.
The most popular is the Mirena device, which has a built-in container with the hormone levonorgesterol, which prevents unwanted pregnancy, and sometimes even treats bleeding and hormonal disorders. The main goal of such protection is the destruction of sperm, as well as increasing uterine tone.
This device is also suitable in case of emergency contraception, but only if it is inserted no later than 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse.
Answering the question about how painful the procedure is, we can say that basically the operation is painless. Unpleasant sensations may occur when the cervix is pulled up to insert a probe, and subsequently when it passes into the genital tract. Painkillers are not needed for this procedure. But for particularly sensitive women, local anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia can be used. Whether it is worth using this contraceptive immediately after childbirth can be figured out by comparing its pros and cons.
pros
Let's look at the advantages of using the device. The most important thing is that the IUD is very easy to use. Just one visit to the doctor will help you forget about contraception for several years. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. Once you buy and install it, you get rid of the need to spend money every day on birth control pills or condoms.
If you want to have more children, it can be easily and safely removed. This type of contraception does not cause any inconvenience to the owner. You can continue to lead an active lifestyle, swim, run, and go to the gym. The presence of such a mechanism also does not affect intimacy in any way.
We can say that this is an ideal means of birth control, since it does not cause any inconvenience, does not affect the mother's lactation, and is therefore safe during breastfeeding. The protection begins to perform its functions immediately after installation.
Doctors consider this tool to be the most effective method of birth control, since it causes almost no complications, and is also very effective in use.
Minuses
But still, the IUD is not a panacea; its functions are limited to the destruction of sperm. Some women may experience pain in the lower abdomen or lower back after installing the device. In addition, periods may become more heavy and painful. And in the first 10-15 days, the mechanism can provoke minor bleeding.
This type of protection does not protect against sexually transmitted infections at all.
Moreover, if this device is located in the uterus, then it seems to open it slightly, thereby increasing the likelihood of harmful bacteria entering the body. If you become infected with sexually transmitted diseases while wearing it, the disease will manifest itself in a more complex form. In addition, there are cases when the contraceptive itself fell out of the uterus.
Kinds
Mothers who have chosen this type of protection are wondering: which IUD should they use after childbirth? Today there are many variations of devices. Here are the names of the most popular:
- Multiloud Cu-375. A drug containing copper. Installed for no more than 5 years.
- Juno Bio. It contains copper and silver. Established for a period of 8 years. Domestic product.
- You can install Eurogine. It contains particles of silver and gold, and is also one of the few mechanisms that protect the reproductive system from the development of infections. Installed for 5 years.
- Mirena. Wire with a container containing hormones. But it does not in any way affect lactation or body weight. At the same time, it has the highest efficiency in use - 99.9%. Preserves the menstrual cycle. Installed for 5 years.
For girls who have not yet given birth, an IUD can be inserted at any time. Some doctors recommend 4-7 days from the beginning of menstruation. Discomfort during surgery is minimal, since the pain threshold is reduced at this time.
When to place after childbirth
When can I get the IUD after the baby is born and is it possible to get the IUD after childbirth at all? At least in 48 hours. But the optimal time for such an operation is after 21 days. You should first make sure that you do not have inflammation or sexually transmitted diseases.
When to place it after surgery? The procedure is carried out 3-4 months after birth to prevent inflammation and other complications. After an abortion, the IUD can be inserted immediately after curettage. In all cases, no pain is felt during installation.
Contraindications
The IUD for pregnancy after childbirth has its contraindications for use. These include:
- benign and malignant tumors;
- inflammatory processes in the body;
- various diseases of the genital organs;
- pathologies in the development of the reproductive tract;
- pregnancy;
- HIV and AIDS;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- allergy to the metal contained in the wire.
An IUD will protect against unwanted pregnancy, but not against sexually transmitted infections. Keep this in mind if you decide to choose it.
Complications
Before deciding whether to choose this method or not, you should familiarize yourself with the list of possible complications. These include:
- spasms;
- bloody issues;
- heavy menstruation;
- infections;
- inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
- infertility (in very rare cases).
For the first few days, you will probably feel a nagging pain in the lower abdomen, possibly a protracted period.
If the discomfort does not go away within 1-2 days, or there is an increase in body temperature, immediately visit a doctor, as uterine perforation may develop.
Removal of the IUD
After the contraceptive expires, it must be removed. Just like the insertion procedure, the removal procedure of the device is painless. If the patient does not experience any complications, a new device can be inserted immediately.
We looked at one of the best methods of birth control for women after childbirth. Of course, only you can decide which one is best for you after a preliminary consultation with your doctor. But before you make a choice in favor of one method or another, carefully weigh the pros and cons, because the consequences of their use may be irreversible.
If you choose such contraception for yourself, do not forget about personal hygiene. In most cases, basic self-care prevents possible complications.
Not every woman wants to get pregnant again soon after giving birth. Therefore, the issue of contraception when there is a baby in your arms is very relevant. Look around, you will see a lot of mothers with children of the same age. Many of them will tell you that their plans did not include such a rapid addition to the family. But this is what happened: despite breastfeeding, the use of oral contraceptives, strict calculations.
We do not mean to say that birth control pills are not effective, condoms are weak, and breastfeeding does not protect against pregnancy. It’s just that every rule has exceptions, and any woman can make a mistake in the calculations while taking care of the house and baby.
So, let's talk about the most reliable of the modern methods of contraception - the intrauterine device, when you can install the device after childbirth, what are its advantages, disadvantages, what you should pay attention to.
IUD: what is it, what are the advantages and disadvantages?
The IUD or Intrauterine Device is a mechanical means of protection against unplanned pregnancy. It is installed directly into the uterine cavity and allows a woman, without any additional means of contraception, to quietly engage in sexual activity without becoming pregnant. This is in simple terms.
What are the advantages of this method of contraception? One of the main and most convenient is constant protection. That is, with an IUD installed, you do not need to keep a calendar, take pills strictly on schedule and, thus, there is simply nothing to forget.
Another plus is that the spiral is installed for a long time, or more precisely, for several years. It is during this period that you can absolutely not worry about safety (provided that the IUD is installed correctly).
The advantage of this method is its relative cost-effectiveness. At first glance, it may seem that this little thing is quite expensive. However, its price is approximately equal to the cost of an annual set of hormonal pills. Annual! While it is established for a period of up to 5 years.
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If you insert an IUD after childbirth, it does not affect the quality and taste of breast milk, and has no effect on the baby’s body if breastfeeding.
And the spiral will come in handy if for some reason hormonal oral contraceptives are contraindicated for you or, say, you have varicose veins, which is quite common today.
The IUD is removed when you need it and the ability to get pregnant after it is restored quite quickly.
The guarantee of not getting pregnant in this case is 99.9%.
Disadvantages, disadvantages, contraindications for installing an IUD
You should not install an intrauterine device if you had inflammatory diseases of the genital organs before or after childbirth. Here you should wait for complete recovery and tissue regeneration.
The IUD is inserted and removed only by a doctor. This is the only way you can provide yourself with the desired guarantees of safety and avoid complications later.
The spiral tendrils can sometimes cause some discomfort (often microtrauma) to your sexual partner. Therefore, when installing, you can ask the doctor to make them a little shorter.
After each menstruation, you should check the presence of the antennae, making sure that the spiral remains in place.
Since your body will perceive the IMF as a foreign body, the uterus will try to “expel” it, contracting and giving you unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen. This can also cause heavier and more painful periods.
If you decide to have an IUD after childbirth, you should be aware that there are certain contraindications.
These include neoplasms (both malignant and benign), pathologies of the uterus, cervix, pregnancy, inflammatory processes, ischemia, uterine bleeding, etc.
There are special contraindications for coils that contain copper: an allergy to this metal. Women suffering from coronary heart disease, migraines, thrombosis, and cirrhosis of the liver are not advised to install a hormonal IUD.
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What types of IUDs are there, and why are they placed?
Spirals come in regular and medicated forms.
Conventional ones are made from silver, platinum, gold and polyethylene and are installed solely for the purpose of preventing pregnancy.
Medicines are often given to women, among other things, for therapeutic effects, for example, to treat or control uterine fibroids. They contain copper or the hormone progesterone.
It should be noted that the IUD itself is not a barrier to fertilization of the egg. It is quite possible. However, the IUD thus affects the inner layer of the uterus; the fertilized egg cannot attach to it.
Regular coils need to be removed after a year. IUDs containing copper - after 3-5 years at the discretion of the doctor, and hormonal (with progesterone) - after 5 years (unless, of course, you want to get pregnant earlier).
Is it painful to insert the IUD?
In principle, inserting a spiral does not hurt. It is least painful to install it during menstruation - from 1 to 7 days. However, you may still experience discomfort, as with any gynecological examination. Some women feel nothing at all, while others may experience a slight tugging in the lower abdomen (as during menstruation). As a rule, this goes away within a few hours. Sometimes faster, sometimes a little longer.
The gynecologist will advise you to abstain from sexual activity for the first few days. And before the onset of your period, still use a barrier method of contraception (in other words, a condom).
Immediately after your period, you should come for a follow-up examination and check whether the IUD in the uterus is working properly. If the doctor said that everything is “OK”, you no longer need to use additional means of protection.
When can IUD be inserted after the baby is born?
There are different opinions on this matter. Some gynecologists place the IUD after childbirth right in the maternity hospital. This is only possible if the woman does not experience any inflammatory processes before and after the birth of the child.
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Is this advisable or not? Probably, the body still needs rest. After giving birth, you will still be advised to abstain from sexual activity for a while to avoid unnecessary risks of infection. Therefore, if you are very worried and are afraid of becoming a mother again too soon, you can give your internal organs a certain time to recover and have an IUD placed after giving birth in a month and a half.
If the lactation process proceeds without problems, then you can wait six months to install the IUD. However, before inserting the IUD, you should still use a condom during sexual intercourse, since there is still a risk of getting pregnant.
Is it possible to remove the spiral yourself?
We will definitely answer no to this question. The risk of complications (bleeding, infectious diseases, etc.) is too high. Therefore, be wise: do not consider it difficult to see a doctor.
