5 Ways to Protect Your Fertility After 30
Many women want to have children, but not necessarily in their 20s. It can be harder to have a child after 30 for several reasons, so let’s look at some ways to increase your chances of accomplishing this.
When to Consider an IUD for Birth Control
Once you become sexually active, it’s important to decide which kind of birth control will suit your personal life. Various types of protection can prevent pregnancy, including pills, shots, rings, patches, and barrier methods.
Intrauterine devices, commonly known as IUDs, allow you to live without fear of unwanted pregnancy, but they may not be right for everyone. If you’re considering this option, this blog will explain how they work to help you make your decision.
Once you decide — and if you are in the Chicago area — Drs. Michele Hakimian, Kate Nash, Matthew King, and the dedicated medical staff at Progressive Care for Women offer a range of reproductive services, including IUDs.
Facts about IUDs
An IUD is a device placed inside your uterus that serves as a long-lasting, reversible form of contraception. The IUD has a plastic, T-shaped frame with strings attached that rest at the top of your vagina, completely hidden inside your body. The strings allow a healthcare provider to easily remove the device when you're ready to start a family. Alternatively, you may opt to replace the IUD; this is required after a number of years, depending on the type and brand.
The two basic types of IUDs are:
Hormonal IUDs
These contain the hormone levonorgestrel and are available under the brand names Mirena®, Liletta®, and Kyleena®.
Copper IUDs
These utilize a thin copper wire wrapped around the plastic, T-shaped frame. Paragard® is the brand that employs this technique.
How IUDs work
Both types of IUDs provide the same result: preventing sperm from fertilizing eggs and causing you to get pregnant. Hormonal IUDs thicken the mucus in your cervix to block sperm from entering. They also change the environment inside the uterus to prevent fertilization.
Non-hormonal copper IUDs use this metal's unique properties to act as a spermicide, stopping sperm from swimming and reaching an egg, which prevents fertilization.
Either type of IUD can remain effective for several years, keeping you from having to worry about pregnancy for much longer than other options.
Determining if an IUD is the best choice
Choosing an IUD will come down to a combination of factors based on practical and personal needs.
STI protection
Please note: IUDs will keep you from getting pregnant, but do not protect against STIs.
However, barrier methods of contraception, like condoms, help to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Side effects
Once an IUD is placed, it effectively works on its own for years, but either type will affect your menstrual cycle. Hormonal IUDs can make periods more regular or prevent them from happening, and copper IUDs can make them heavier.
Next steps: Is an IUD right for you?
But both types of IUDs are affordable and reliable. They can also be used with condoms to prevent STIs.
If you need to prevent pregnancy long-term, IUDs can be a good choice. To determine if this is the best time to get an IUD, make an appointment with Drs. Hakimian, Nash, King, and the Progressive Care for Women team today.
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