Progesterone Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Brand Names : Progestasert
Category- Contraceptive, intrauterine-local
DescriptionA progesterone
intrauterine device (proe-JES-ter-one
IN-tra-YOU-ta-rin de-VICE) (also called an IUD) is inserted
by a health care professional into a woman's uterus as a contraceptive (birth
control method).
The progesterone IUD works by causing changes in the uterus that help to
prevent pregnancy. The fertilization of the woman's egg with her partner's
sperm is less likely with an IUD in place, but it can occur. Even so, the
IUD makes it harder for the fertilized egg to become attached to the uterus
walls, making it hard to become pregnant. The hormone, progesterone, released
from the IUD is believed to improve the effects of the device. After the IUD
is removed, most women trying to become pregnant can become pregnant.
Studies have shown that pregnancy can occur in up to
2 of each 100 women using a progesterone IUD during the first year of use
. Other birth control methods such as not having intercourse, taking
birth control pills (the Pill), or having surgery to become sterile are as
effective or more effective. Methods that do not work as well include using
condoms, diaphragms, vaginal sponges, or spermicides. Discuss with your health
care professional what your options are for birth control and the risks and
benefits of each method.
IUDs do not protect a woman from sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
. The use of latex (rubber) condoms
or abstinence (not having intercourse) is recommended for protection from
these diseases.
Your lifestyle will determine how safe and reliable
the progesterone IUD will be for you
. Problems that may occur with
use of an IUD are far less likely to occur in women who have a long-term relationship
with one sexual partner. Also, it is important that your sexual partner not
have any other sexual partners. If you or your partner has more than one sexual
partner it increases your
chance of getting an
infection in the vagina. If an infection is present in the vagina or uterus
when the IUD is in the uterus it may make an infection more serious. If your lifestyle changes while you are using an IUD or you
get or are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, call your health care
professional
.
Progesterone IUDs are available only from your doctor or other authorized
health care professional in the following form:
Intrauterine
-
Progesterone Intrauterine Device (U.S.)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
† Not commercially available in Canada.
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