Different Kinds of Contraceptives

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There are several kinds of contraceptives in this article; we are going to look at a few of the lesser-known kinds of contraceptives. By lesser know I mean we will be skipping over the male condom and oral contraceptives and looking at IUD’s and the Nuvaring.

Different Types of Contraceptives - Copper IUD’s

There are two types of IUD’s (intrauterine device), the first one is known as the copper IUD. There are approximately ten different types of IUDs. The most popular copper IUD is T shaped with a copper wire wrapped around it or it has copper sleeves. All IUDs have a string attached to them so the doctor can easily remove them. IUDs are inserted in the doctor’s office or clinic. This procedure takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes and some women do experience discomfort during the procedure. The copper IUD works by preventing the sperm from entering the fallopian tubes and fertilizing an egg. The second way an IUD is effective in preventing pregnancy is the IUD thins the walls of the uterus making it very difficult for an egg to attach to the uterus wall. A copper IUD is about 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. The majority of all copper IUDs need to be replaced every five years. There is one, the TT380 Slimline model is designed to work for ten years.

Hormonal IUD - Mirena

This IUD releases the progestin hormone and it is a small soft flexible device. It is inserted in the same manner as the copper IUD and is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The Mirena is designed to last for five years and once removed you can begin to try to conceive. The Mirena IUD is also used for women who have heavy periods. This IUD is also known to decrease the amount of the flow during menstruation and in some cases stop periods all together.

NuvaRing

Next on our list of different types of contraceptives is the nuvaring. The Nuvaring is a monthly form of birth control it is a flexible ring that releases Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (estrogen and progestin, the same combination used in oral contraceptives) slowly through out the month. The Nuvaring is inserted by the user each month. The ring is left in place for three weeks then removed for one week for menstruation. The Nuvaring is 99% effective if inserted properly. Sadly, not all women are aware of all the different kinds of contraceptives available to them, and they settle for one type when they could be using a contraceptive that better fits their lifestyle.


 
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