Learn More about Intrauterine Devices or IUD’s

The IUD is a form of birth control that is largely used.

It is designed in a T shape and is a flexible plastic.

Less than 1.5 inches in length.

Can be removed at any time by your medical provider.

It can contain either copper or progesterone.

Inserted into the Uterus, it acts to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg and result in the sperm being ineffective.

It is an extremely good option for women as it lasts for a long time, can be easily removed, and it is very safe.

It is long acting and is meant to remain within the woman for a few years.

There are approximately 150+ million woman currently with IUD – worldwide.

Types:

1.) Non-hormonal Copper IUD

2.) Hormonal IUD

*** – In the United Kingdom – there are over ten different types of copper IUD.

Copper IUD

– Also known as ParaGard

– The main goal of this IUD is to disrupt the sperm mobility by damaging it.

– This prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and thus combining with it.

– Copper is a natural spermicide within the uterus.

– The sperm looses motility and viability (length of survival)

– First year failure rate are less than 2.5%.

– Can be used during breastfeeding – due to the fact there are no hormones.

– Heavier menstrual periods and increase menstrual periods can be seen.

– This type of IUD can last 10 years.

Hormonal IUD

– Brand name of Mirena

– Decreased risk for bleeding during menstrual periods.

– Prevention of menstrual period can be seen.

– Can also be used for heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) along with birth control.

– This IUD can disrupt sperm as well as help prevent egg implantation.

– Releases hormone Levonorgestrel which is a form of hormone progestin.

– May be slightly more effective than Copper IUD in preventing pregnancy.

– Can last as long as you want…up to 5 years

– Avoid use if you are susceptible to pelvic infections, kidney infections, or urinary tract infections.

Other Information

Please keep it in mind that an IUD won’t protect you against STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

The IUD shouldn’t prevent future problems with getting pregnant.

Typically, a women’s fertility will be the same as it was before the IUD was implanted.

An IUD can be placed approximately 6 weeks after previous delivery.

When the Copper IUD is placed – immediate effectiveness of the contraception is seen.

When the Mirena is placed – use back-up protection for 7 days.

Self Checking to see if IUD is still in place

It often becomes a concern for a women that their IUD is no longer in place.

A self check can be done.

First thing is to wash your hands.

There are three main positions to check the IUD.

1.) Squat with your legs tilted outward

2.) Sit on toilet with legs tilted outward

3.) Place one leg up on a chair

Place your finger into the vaginal opening and search for the Cervix.

You should feel a string at the opening of the cervix.

Don’t pull the string too hard.

***If you can’t find the string or if you feel the device itself – call your health care provider and schedule an appointment.

An Ultrasound may be done to locate the device.
The following are 5 important questions about Intrauterine Device – IUD’s. This type of contraception is used by millions of women. Initial questions are usually easy to find. These questions really help understand what we can expect and it helps answers concerns we might have.

1.) What kinds of IUD or Intrauterine Devices are there?

2 main types.

1.) Non-hormonal Copper IUD (ParaGard)

2.) Hormonal IUD (Mirena)

Copper IUD is a copper wire that wraps around the T shape device.

Hormonal IUD releases a hormone Levonorgestrel. The Copper IUD is good for 10 years while the Hormonal IUD is good for 5 years.

2.) Can an IUD be used during breastfeeding?

Yes. Neither will result in side effects or are harmful to the infant. The quality or quantity of the breast milk is not affected.

3.) Should I use another form of contraception during the first month of an IUD?

For the copper IUD – it is effective the moment it is placed. In some cases, it can be effective within the first 5 days after intercourse. This would be considered as Emergency Contraceptive and would be more effective than oral pills.

For the Hormonal IUD – Immediately effective if placed within 7 days after you started your period. Otherwise, used alternative contraception for the first 7 days.

4.) Will an IUD affect my period?

Copper IUD – may cause irregular menstrual periods. Your periods might become heavier and last longer than you are used to. Cramping can be seen. Complete absence of a period is unlikely.

Hormonal IUD – Irregular menstrual periods are possible. Decrease in duration and intensity of your period is often seen. You may experience less cramping. Complete absence of a period is likely but doesn’t occur in all cases.

*** Sometimes heavy menstrual periods or very painful menstrual periods are the primary reasons to get a hormonal IUD.

5.) Can I get pregnant while I have an IUD

Yes. Although this rarely happens. It is possible. If you think that you could be, meet with your provider immediately.

They may want to ensure you don’t have an ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasound, exam, blood work, and other evaluations may occur.

If you have a normal pregnancy – you can than choose whether to continue the pregnancy.

If you choose to continue with the pregnancy – the IUD will be removed immediately. If you keep the IUD during pregnancy – you will risk your health and your baby’s health.

There is a risk of miscarriage when removing the IUD.

If the IUD can’t be removed – you will be monitored closely during pregnancy.

Learn more specifics about the IUD or Intrauterine Device – Here

Marathon – The running that actually will set you free

May 2009 – 5 months ago I decided to get back to into running. I am not a great runner and have only ran a half dozen 5k races over the past few years. I have always wanted to enjoy running but I believed that to learning to love running would be impossible. However, a friend asked if I had ever considered running a marathon. Running a marathon had always been a goal but time seemed to get into my way. We made a goal to run daily and see where it would take us.

I finalized my goal for running: “I wanted to run my first marathon and if no setbacks to run at least 2 marathons this year and if all went well then 4“

As I look back…that was a pretty intense goal to make. However, setting such a high goal pushed me to run when I didn’t want to. Just this last week I finished my first marathon and have learned to love running. Running has become addicting and I am only 1/4th of the way to my goal.

I wanted to finish the marathon in under 6 hours. I actually finished around the 5 hour 20 minute mark.

I am not a 3 hour marathon runner and probably never will be, but to have finished was amazing. Running allows you to burn calories, stress, boredom, and laziness.

June 2009

I recently finished by second marathon. It was a killer!!! What an experience. My training has been rather consistent but this race seemed much more difficult.

I finished just under 6 hours. Cramping in my legs seemed to be the worst part of the race. The sites through the mountains and the time to exercise, think, and listen to music was perfect.

Two down and now two to go!!!

September 2009

Family, work, and pain in both knees will prevent me from finishing my two marathons this year. I have continued to run but my long distance running has decreased. I have targeted a few marathons for next year and will continue training through the fall and winter months.

My running

I had never ran more then 6 miles previously. When I started running recently I hadn’t ran in over 6 months. I was scared and out of shape.

I started running the day after Christmas. I made a goal and started running/walking 3 miles a day 5 or 6 times a week

I then forced myself to run 3 miles without stopping for 2 weeks. I then ran a 5 mile “long run”. From there I went to 4 miles a day for 3 weeks and another long run of 7.5 miles. I soon bumped it up to 5 miles a day and running a “long run” every 2 weeks. I went to 10 miles, then 12 miles, then 15, 18 and finally 20 miles.

There was not 1 day while training that I loved running — it wasn’t until the marathon itself — and then I really only loved the first 20 miles. I hated the last 6 and then loved the last .2 miles or so.

To finish and accomplish a goal is truly amazing.

11 marathon Hints

1.) Time – running is about putting in the time. That is all it is. If it takes you 15 minutes or 4 minutes to run
a mile – put in the time.

2.) Get good equipment – Shoes, shorts, socks, food, water – get the good stuff [not always the expensive stuff].

3.) Run inside and out – Running everyday can get boring…and often excuses are made according to weather – running inside and outside
to change tempo and the view can be refreshing.

4.) Travel to run – Try out new places and new courses…when you know how far you have run [or how far you have to go] it can make
running more difficult..try a new place.

5.) Stretch – I have never stretched before a run [though I should] but we all need to stretch after a run. It allows your body to heal or recuperate better and more fully.

6.) Have a running partner – Run with someone or train with someone – the difference is that they may not be with you every day or even ever…but you can still share goals and stories. Get a friend or find a new one!!!

7.) Plenty of fluids and food – Find good and healthy training foods – They will prevent injury, fatigue, nausea, and dehydration.

8.) Music – Get a play-list of music and run the miles away while listening to your favorite band or songs. If you love to think rather then listen – this one is not for you.

9.) Set a goal – Start today…make the plans…then make it happen.

10.) Be mindful of the outhouses – You evolve into a runner when a potty break occurs regularly while running…but be careful…you don’t want to be somewhere unprepared!!

11.) Run for a reason – whether for yourself or another – running for a purpose can be fun and powerful.

Healthy running

Shedding the weight or even improving your health can be obtained by running. To start running today can have dramatic and life long
benefits to your appearance, emotions, and your overall physical and mental health.

Often your Nutrition will improve because by running often you want to put better foods into your body.

Exercise is always a first line of treatment to several medical conditions. Diabetes, Heart Diease, Obesity, High Cholesterol and Heart Attack are just a few disease that can be improved and often prevented by getting a bit of exercise.

A marathon may not be attainable for everyone. Try to incorporate some sort of activity into your daily life , even if it’s just walking to spend less time on the couch.

Good luck!!!

Some key websites to take a look at:

Runners World – http://www.runnersworld.com/

Marathon Guide – http://www.marathonguide.com/

Cool Running – http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/1_18/7420.shtml

Susan G. Komen for the Cure http://ww5.komen.org/

and many others!!

Originally seen at Marathon running