Hormonal intrauterine device: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 21:42, 21 February 2025

A type of long-acting reversible contraceptive device

A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus to provide long-term contraception. It releases a hormone called levonorgestrel, which is a type of progestin. This device is considered a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and is highly effective in preventing pregnancy.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

The hormonal IUD works primarily by releasing levonorgestrel into the uterine cavity. This hormone thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg. Additionally, levonorgestrel thins the endometrium, reducing the likelihood of implantation should fertilization occur. In some cases, it may also inhibit ovulation.

Types of Hormonal IUDs[edit]

There are several types of hormonal IUDs available, varying in size, hormone dosage, and duration of effectiveness. Common brands include:

Mirena: Effective for up to 7 years, releases 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
Kyleena: Effective for up to 5 years, releases 17.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
Skyla: Effective for up to 3 years, releases 14 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
Liletta: Effective for up to 6 years, releases 19.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.

Insertion and Removal[edit]

The insertion of a hormonal IUD is a procedure typically performed by a healthcare professional. It involves placing the device through the cervix into the uterus. The procedure can cause discomfort, but it is usually brief. Removal is also performed by a healthcare provider and involves gently pulling on the IUD strings to extract the device from the uterus.

Benefits[edit]

Hormonal IUDs offer several benefits, including:

High effectiveness in preventing pregnancy (over 99%).
Long-term protection, ranging from 3 to 7 years depending on the type.
Reduction in menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
Rapid return to fertility upon removal.

Side Effects[edit]

Some users may experience side effects, particularly in the first few months after insertion. These can include:

Irregular bleeding or spotting.
Headaches.
Breast tenderness.
Mood changes.
Ovarian cysts.

Contraindications[edit]

Hormonal IUDs are not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:

Current pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Known or suspected breast cancer.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Severe liver disease.

Gallery[edit]

Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal intrauterine device

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Hormonal Intrauterine Device'''
+{{Short description|A type of long-acting reversible contraceptive device}}
-The '''Hormonal Intrauterine Device''' (IUD), also known as a '''levonorgestrel intrauterine system''' (LNG-IUS), is a form of [[Birth Control|reversible long-acting contraception]] that releases the hormone [[Levonorgestrel]] directly into the uterus. Its primary function is to prevent [[Pregnancy|pregnancy]], and it is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, with a first-year failure rate around 0.1-0.4%. The device is a small T-shaped piece of plastic that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. It can remain in place for 3 to 7 years, depending on the specific product.
+A '''hormonal intrauterine device''' (IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the [[uterus]] to provide long-term [[contraception]]. It releases a hormone called [[levonorgestrel]], which is a type of [[progestin]]. This device is considered a form of [[long-acting reversible contraception]] (LARC) and is highly effective in preventing [[pregnancy]].
 ==Mechanism of Action==
-The hormonal IUD works by releasing levonorgestrel, which thickens the [[Cervical Mucus|cervical mucus]], preventing sperm from reaching an egg. It also thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it less suitable for a fertilized egg to implant and develop. In some cases, it can also inhibit the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation), but this is not its primary mechanism of action.
+The hormonal IUD works primarily by releasing levonorgestrel into the uterine cavity. This hormone thickens the [[cervical mucus]], making it difficult for [[sperm]] to enter the uterus and fertilize an [[egg]]. Additionally, levonorgestrel thins the [[endometrium]], reducing the likelihood of [[implantation]] should fertilization occur. In some cases, it may also inhibit [[ovulation]].
-==Types==
+==Types of Hormonal IUDs==
-Several brands of hormonal IUDs are available, including Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, and Liletta. Each brand has a different amount of levonorgestrel and duration of effectiveness.
+There are several types of hormonal IUDs available, varying in size, hormone dosage, and duration of effectiveness. Common brands include:
+* '''Mirena''': Effective for up to 7 years, releases 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
+* '''Kyleena''': Effective for up to 5 years, releases 17.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
+* '''Skyla''': Effective for up to 3 years, releases 14 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
+* '''Liletta''': Effective for up to 6 years, releases 19.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
+==Insertion and Removal==
+The insertion of a hormonal IUD is a procedure typically performed by a [[healthcare professional]]. It involves placing the device through the [[cervix]] into the uterus. The procedure can cause discomfort, but it is usually brief. Removal is also performed by a healthcare provider and involves gently pulling on the IUD strings to extract the device from the uterus.
 ==Benefits==
-Beyond contraception, hormonal IUDs offer several health benefits. They are used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, reduce menstrual cramps, and, in some cases, treat symptoms of [[Endometriosis]]. Additionally, they can decrease the risk of [[Endometrial Cancer]].
+Hormonal IUDs offer several benefits, including:
+* High effectiveness in preventing pregnancy (over 99%).
+* Long-term protection, ranging from 3 to 7 years depending on the type.
+* Reduction in [[menstrual bleeding]] and [[dysmenorrhea]] (painful periods).
+* Rapid return to fertility upon removal.
 ==Side Effects==
-Common side effects include irregular bleeding, spotting between periods, and decreased menstrual flow or cessation of periods altogether. Some users may experience hormonal side effects such as headaches, acne, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Serious but rare side effects include uterine perforation and pelvic inflammatory disease.
+Some users may experience side effects, particularly in the first few months after insertion. These can include:
-==Insertion and Removal==
+* Irregular bleeding or spotting.
-The insertion of a hormonal IUD is a medical procedure that should be performed by a trained healthcare provider. The process typically takes a few minutes and can cause discomfort or pain, for which pain relief can be provided. Removal is simpler and usually less painful, requiring a healthcare provider to gently pull on the strings attached to the IUD.
+* Headaches.
+* Breast tenderness.
+* Mood changes.
+* Ovarian cysts.
 ==Contraindications==
-Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a hormonal IUD. Contraindications include pregnancy, unexplained vaginal bleeding, cervical or uterine cancer, liver disease, or a history of [[Pelvic Inflammatory Disease]] (PID).
+Hormonal IUDs are not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:
-==Comparison with Other Methods==
+* Current [[pelvic inflammatory disease]] (PID).
-Compared to other forms of contraception, the hormonal IUD is more effective than [[Birth Control Pills]], patches, and vaginal rings, mainly because it eliminates the possibility of user error. However, unlike [[Condoms]], it does not provide protection against [[Sexually Transmitted Infections]] (STIs).
+* Known or suspected [[breast cancer]].
+* Unexplained [[vaginal bleeding]].
+* Severe [[liver disease]].
-==Conclusion==
+== Gallery ==
-The hormonal intrauterine device is a highly effective, long-term contraceptive option that offers several benefits beyond birth control. However, it is important for individuals to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right choice for them, considering potential side effects and contraindications.
+<gallery>
+File:Mirena IntraUterine System.jpg|Hormonal intrauterine device
+File:Mirena IUD - Roe Becken ap.jpg|Hormonal intrauterine device
+File:Mirena in optimal place - schematic.png|Hormonal intrauterine device
+File:Mirena in optimal place - ultrasound.jpg|Hormonal intrauterine device
+File:Mirena intrauterine device insertion.jpg|Hormonal intrauterine device
+File:Removal of IUD with progestogen.gif|Hormonal intrauterine device
+File:Mirena IUD with hand.jpg|Hormonal intrauterine device
+</gallery>
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Intrauterine device]]
+* [[Contraception]]
+* [[Levonorgestrel]]
+* [[Long-acting reversible contraception]]
 [[Category:Contraception]]
-[[Category:Gynecological Devices]]
+[[Category:Medical devices]]
-[[Category:Women's Health]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}