Using a spiral with hormones: an appointment with a gynecologist, features of contraception

A hormonal coil is a miniature hormone-releasing system that is placed in a woman’s uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancies. This method of contraception works with a spiral for up to five years. Its use is possible both in nulliparous women and those who have several children. But before installing such a system, an appointment with a gynecologist and a complete examination are necessary to exclude not only contraindications, but also possible side effects.

Appointment to the doctor, consultation on contraception

If a woman plans to use hormonal contraception, a spiral, an appointment with a gynecologist and a preliminary consultation is necessary, which determines the indications and contraindications for its setting. The doctor will conduct a gynecological examination, prescribe the necessary tests and smears to give a final conclusion on the possibility of setting the spiral. The results can be found out by phone, and if there are no contraindications, then make an appointment with the gynecologist to perform the manipulation.

Benefits of contraception with a spiral

There are many reasons why this contraception, the micro-dose hormone coil, is used by women to protect against unwanted pregnancies. First of all, it is a reversible method of contraception, therefore, it is possible to become pregnant after removing the device in the next cycle. Such contraception, a spiral, is small, installed inside the uterine cavity, and does not affect sexual intercourse or feelings of intimacy.

The presence of the coil does not interfere with breastfeeding, and it is easy to remove if necessary, but never try to do it yourself. You need an appointment with a gynecologist if a woman decides to remove the intrauterine device. This method of contraception is 99% effective, the device is installed for up to 5 years.

Since it is a hormonal contraceptive, the IUD reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy without causing weight gain. It reduces the severity of menstrual bleeding, the severity of cramps and pain.

Who is suitable for this method of protection against unwanted pregnancy?

The hormonal coil is not an emergency contraceptive, it is installed during a visit to the doctor, used as a way of long-term protection against pregnancy. It can be used by women who have a child or more, or by those who want to wait a little before planning a pregnancy. An intrauterine device with hormones is suitable if:

• a woman is breastfeeding a child;
• No more children are planned, but the woman does not want to tie the fallopian tubes;
• In the next few years, pregnancy is undesirable.

However, the hormonal coil may be contraindicated under the following circumstances:

• If you have a pelvic infection or some type of neoplasia;
• Congenital heart defects were detected, heart and vascular operations were performed, since there is a possibility of infective endocarditis;
• There is a tendency to recurrent infections of the vagina or uterus.

Side effects of using the coil: inflammation of the uterus, other complications

Before using any type of contraception, it is always important to consider the possible side effects that some patients may develop. In some cases, a foreign body in the uterus can cause an inflammatory process in the pelvic organs. Symptoms usually develop two to three weeks after the insertion of the coil into the uterine cavity. In addition, the effect of hormones released by the device can cause amenorrhea or a delay in menstruation. Other side effects include:

• Severe bleeding in the first couple of weeks after the introduction of the spiral. Thus, the uterus can respond to the presence of a foreign body in its cavity and changes in the hormonal background.
• Intermenstrual discharge or bleeding, gradually decreasing in intensity.
• Pain in the pelvis or abdomen.
• Formation of a cyst in the ovaries.
• Migraine or headaches.

There may be any other side effects associated with the influence of hormones secreted by the spiral, as well as the very fact that the uterus and its mucosa are in contact with a foreign object. If any complaints appear, you need an appointment with a gynecologist and an examination.

Pregnancy after a spiral: do hormones affect?

Women using an intrauterine device containing hormones may worry about the possibility of becoming pregnant after it is removed. The use of this version of the spiral affects the ability to conceive only while it is inside the uterus. The contraceptive effect depends on the release of hormones while the device is in the uterine cavity. The coil continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin.

The IUD is usually inserted one week after the start of the menstrual cycle and can stay in the uterus for up to five years. When a woman decides that the time has come for pregnancy, the doctor removes the coil (even if it has not passed the entire period of use), and its contraceptive effects disappear. Fertility can return to normal almost immediately after the end of the menstrual cycle. Most women report that their menstrual cycle returned to normal within six months after the coil was removed. Doctors usually recommend that women start taking folic acid or prenatal vitamins before the coil is removed.

There is no evidence that removing the coil leads to miscarriages or disrupts the menstrual cycle, leading to infertility. In the course of research, scientists found that women who stopped using the spiral with hormones became pregnant just like those who were not protected by anything. But doctors recommend that women wait one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive. This helps the body return to its usual rhythm, and also ensures the stabilization of the hormonal background.

It is also important to remember that the IUD will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, the spiral is best suited for women in monogamous relationships.