Preparing for Your Vaginal Birth
Vaginal birth progresses through three stages — early labor, active labor, and delivery — each with different physical demands. Learn what happens during each stage and how to prepare.
Is an IUD Right for Me?
If you’re looking for birth control that you don’t have to think about every day, an intrauterine device (IUD) might be on your list. IUDs are among the most effective contraceptive options available, and they last for years once placed.
That said, they don’t suit everyone, and the two available types prevent pregnancy through entirely separate mechanisms. Here’s what to consider as you weigh whether an IUD makes sense for you.
At Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, Farly Sejour, MD, FACOG, and Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, along with our team, help women find the contraceptive method that fits their bodies and their lives.
How an IUD works
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that your provider inserts into your uterus during a routine office visit. Once in place, it prevents pregnancy continuously without anything for you to remember or maintain. We offer two types at Solace Women’s Care that prevent pregnancy through different mechanisms.
The hormonal IUD (Mirena®) releases a low dose of progestin directly into your uterus. This process thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, thins the uterine lining, and partially suppresses ovulation. It’s usually effective for up to eight years.
The copper IUD (Paragard®) has no hormones. Instead, it releases copper ions that create an environment toxic to sperm, preventing them from reaching an egg. It’s approved for up to 10 years.
The benefits that draw women to IUDs
Consider these benefits when deciding whether an IUD is right for you:
- More than 99% effectiveness, among the highest of any birth control method
- Years of protection without daily, weekly, or monthly upkeep
- Quick return to fertility after removal
- No estrogen, making both types safe for women who can’t take it
- A hormone-free option in the copper IUD for women who want to avoid hormones entirely
The hormonal IUD also tends to lighten periods over time, and many women stop having periods altogether while using it. That makes it a useful option for women dealing with heavy or painful periods.
Reasons an IUD might not be the best fit
IUDs work well for most women, but the following factors can make a different method more appropriate:
- Heavy or painful periods, which the copper IUD can worsen, especially in the first few months
- Current pregnancy
- An active pelvic infection
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding that hasn’t been evaluated
- Uterine problems that alter the shape of the uterus
Our team reviews your health history and may perform an exam to confirm that an IUD is safe for you before recommending one.
What to expect during IUD insertion
IUD insertion happens in the office and takes only a few minutes. Our team inserts a speculum, then guides the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus using a thin applicator.
Most women feel cramping or pinching during insertion, which can range from mild to fairly intense but is usually brief. Some women experience cramping and spotting for a few days afterward. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand can help, and your provider can talk through options for managing discomfort.
Life with an IUD
Once the IUD is in place, there’s very little to do. Our team may have you check for the strings periodically to confirm they’re still positioned correctly, and you have a follow-up visit to make sure everything looks good.
You can have the device removed at any point if you decide you want to conceive or switch methods, and fertility typically returns quickly.
Is an IUD your right fit?
Choosing birth control comes down to your health history, your lifestyle, and what you want from a method. Some women love the convenience of an IUD, while others prefer something they can stop on their own or that aligns better with their needs.
If you’re considering an IUD or want to compare it with other options, call our Conroe office at 936-441-7100 or message us online to schedule a consultation with our team today.
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