An IUD can be a great way to practice birth control for many women and in fact most women love the IUD because it requires no effort from them once it is inserted and is one of the most effective methods of birth control available. An IUD lasts for 1 to 10 years and can be removed when and if you are ready to have children later. Many IUDs can make a woman’s periods lighter or make them stop altogether which is another thing they like about the IUD. But like most birth control IUD side effects do exist and can range from mild to severe.

An IUD is inserted up into the uterus via the cervix, there is a small string attached to the IUD that hangs down thru the vagina. An IUD is effective by changing the lining of the Uterus and fallopian tubes which affects the movement of the eggs and sperm preventing pregnancy from occurring. 99.9% effective the IUD is a popular choice for those that may have trouble with the pill. IUD side effects are generally less than that of the pill for most women.

That said IUD side effects do exist as do health risks which is why each woman must have a complete exam before most doctors will insert an IUD. If a woman gets a vaginal infection while using an IUD it can increase the risk of pelvic infection that can cause a woman to become infertile. Because of this an IUD is not normally recommended for woman who may have multiple partners thereby increasing her risk.

Perforation of the uterine wall can occur when an IUD is inserted, an IUD may also become imbedded, which can be very painful and a cause to remove the IUD. A woman that becomes pregnant while having an IUD inserted is at higher risk for Ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or premature birth.

Other IUD side effects that can occur are longer heavier bleeding, more painful periods, anemia from heavy bleeding, ovarian cysts, weight gain, headaches, increase in blood pressure, acne, depression, and low sex drive. The IUD can be good way to prevent pregnancy, without having to worry about it daily and without having to interrupt spontaneity and for most women it can be inserted and forgotten. For those that have side effects it is easy to remove allowing you to try a different type of birth control that may have less side effects.