Spiral and pregnancy: can you still get pregnant?
Whether you want to avoid unwanted pregnancies, whether you are looking for an effective method of contraception, learning more about the use of the IUD is always a good idea and this is what we will do through this article. Let's see in detail what the IUD is, how it works, what is its percentage of effectiveness and whether or not it is possible to get pregnant despite its use. Continue reading the article to solve all your doubts.
What is the spiral?
The spiral is a contraceptive that consists of a plastic device that varies from 20 to 35 millimeters in the shape of a T to be placed inside the uterus. There are two main types of spiral that vary depending on the operation: the hormonal one and the copper one.
The hormonal spiral involves the release of a small amount of progestin (the same hormone present in birth control pills) which has the function of thickening the cervical mucus and, consequently, of preventing the passage of sperm and making pregnancy impossible. In some cases, the release of this hormone can also lead to the interruption of ovulation.
The copper spiral, on the other hand, through the release of very small quantities of copper, modifies the composition of the fluids and prevents the survival of the spermatozoa. Furthermore, the action of the mineral has the effect of changing the environment making it unfavorable to the implantation of pregnancy.
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How does the contraceptive implant work?
Are spiral and pregnancy closely linked? Absolutely yes! This is because the IUD works in two ways to avoid pregnancy:
- prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries - ie ovulation does not occur.
- it also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg when ovulating.
Basically it has a double action, so its effectiveness, as you will see later, is quite high. Even if it lasts quite a long time (about 5 years), its action is not permanent and you can ask your doctor or gynecologist to remove it whenever you want.
As for the moment in which the implant begins to be effective, it is better to know that if it is inserted during the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle, it will immediately protect against unwanted pregnancies; if, on the other hand, it is inserted into the uterus at another time, then you will need to use other methods of contraception for at least a week.
The spiral also acts on the menstrual cycle: the flow will be lighter and if you usually suffer from cramps and menstrual pain, these should be reduced.
Spiral and pregnancy: how effective is the implant?
Implantation is one of the most effective methods of contraception, with an effectiveness of 99%. This means that less than 1 in 100 women who use the implant become pregnant each year. One of the biggest advantages of the IUD, compared to other methods of contraception such as the pill or the ring, is that when it is placed, it lasts about 5 years. , and causes far fewer mistakes to be made. In the case of the pill, for example, forgetting to take one at the same time every day can drastically reduce its effectiveness, but with the implant this does not happen.
Is it possible to get pregnant using the IUD?
It is very difficult to get pregnant using the IUD, however there is no 100% effective method of contraception. The only way to avoid pregnancy completely is to not have sex, otherwise there is always a chance. Although as we said, with the spiral the possibilities are very low.
With the spiral also changes the menstrual cycle, the pains are attenuated and the flow becomes less intense. If you notice something strange that does not convince you and worries you, it is best to consult your doctor and explain what is wrong. Through specific analyzes will be able to trace the cause and propose appropriate care.
Does the IUD protect against sexually transmitted diseases?
One of the disadvantages of the spiral is that it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, it only prevents pregnancy. Therefore, if you want to protect yourself, it is necessary to use, in addition to the implant, other barrier methods such as male or female condoms.
Now that you have more information on the implant, if you want to use it, we recommend that you go to the doctor for further information on it, perhaps relating to your specific case.
This is a very important aspect because the IUD, like other contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancy, may be fine for some, but contraindicated for others.
The importance of contraception
Contraception is the set of techniques that can be used to avoid the occurrence of an unwanted pregnancy, by controlling reproduction in a temporary and reversible manner.
Contraceptive methods can intervene before or during intercourse to prevent fertilization.
One of the most popular methods of contraception is the IUD, called IUD (Intra Uterine Device). This system is easy to use, quickly reversible, with very few side effects, but care must be taken as it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The effectiveness of the spiral is high, but it is still a contraceptive capable of failing and causing pregnancy. In Italy its use is constantly growing. Currently, almost 150,000 women use it and in recent years, according to the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the demand has grown steadily by 70% per month.
