IUDs: what you need to know before you decide

1- Discussion with the gynecologist or midwife is essential

” The best contraception is the one the woman chooses, ”explains Natacha Borowski, midwife in Nantes. The healthcare professional in front of you will not be able to make the decision for you. On the other hand, an in-depth dialogue will allow him to advise you best according to your lifestyle and your medical history. This can be for example a tendency to haveacne to migraines.

To make this exchange as constructive as possible, do not hesitate to read the notices different IUDs on the Internet. “And to talk about it in consultation to avoid anxiety,” insists Dr. David Elia, gynecologist in Paris. “Even after the installation of the IUD, I advise my patients to keep the instructions carefully in case of questions, ”adds the midwife.

2-There are two main types of IUDs

The copper IUDs used since the 60s and the most common side effect of which is the occurrence of rules stronger (sometimes painful, more abundant, longer). And the hormonal IUDs as Mirena, known for twenty years and which has the particularity of reducing or even eliminating rules. “As a first-line option, I suggest the copper IUD instead, unless my patient suffers from a pathology such as, for example,endometriosis, which gives the therapeutic indication for a hormonal IUD, ”explains Dr Elia.

3-Side effects are possible

“The Mirena affair is for me a consequence of the use of social networks. It is the virtual meeting of women who live the same Side effects. But there is nothing new about this contraceptive. These possible inconveniences (acne, weight gain, hair loss, stomach pain, etc.) are already known and listed, ”says Dr Elia. The doctor explains that in case of discomfort, all you have to do is tell your gynecologist, who will offer another more suitable type of contraception (pill, patch, another hormonal IUD). Natacha Borowski observes: “It is really the woman, according to her day to day feelings, who will be able to determine if the type of IUD that she tries suits her ”.

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