Intrauterine Devices

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IUD Basics - Womb Wonders

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Small, T-shaped devices in the uterus for long-term, reversible, highly effective contraception.

  • Types:
    • Copper (Cu-IUDs): e.g., CuT 380A.
    • Hormonal (LNG-IUS): e.g., Mirena (levonorgestrel).
  • Mechanism (General):
    • Foreign body reaction (sterile inflammation).
    • Sperm incapacitation; impaired ovum transport.
    • Endometrial changes prevent implantation.

Copper and Hormonal IUDs: Structure and Variations

⭐ Cu-IUDs offer emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days post-coitus.

Copper IUDs - Copper Champions

  • Mechanism: Spermicidal (Cu$^{2+}$ ions); inhibits sperm migration & fertilization; sterile endometrial inflammation impairs implantation.
  • Types (India): CuT 380A, CuT 375, Multiload.
  • Duration: CuT 380A: 10 years; CuT 375: 5 years.
  • Advantages:
    • Highly effective (>99%).
    • Long-acting, reversible.
    • No systemic hormones.
    • Emergency contraception: use within 5 days.
  • Disadvantages:
    • ↑ Menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea.
    • Risk of expulsion, perforation (rare).
  • Contraindications (Absolute):
    • Pregnancy, active PID, unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding, current cervical/endometrial cancer.

⭐ CuT 380A is effective for emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.

Hormonal IUDs (LNG-IUS) - Hormone Heroes

  • Mechanism: Local Levonorgestrel (LNG) action:
    • Thickens cervical mucus (sperm barrier).
    • Causes endometrial atrophy/decidualization (inhibits implantation).
    • Inhibits sperm motility & function.
    • Anovulation (in some users, dose-dependent).
  • Key Example: Mirena (releases LNG 20 mcg/day), effective for 5-8 years. Other options: Kyleena (5 yrs), Jaydess/Skyla (3 yrs).
  • Advantages: Highly effective (failure <0.2%). Significantly ↓ menstrual bleeding & dysmenorrhea. Non-contraceptive benefits: treats heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis pain; provides endometrial protection.
  • Disadvantages/Side Effects: Irregular bleeding/spotting common initially. Amenorrhea (e.g., Mirena up to 50% by 1 year). Minimal systemic hormonal effects (e.g., acne, mood changes less common).
  • Contraindications: Pregnancy, distorted uterine cavity, active/recent PID or STI, current breast cancer, severe liver disease.

⭐ LNG-IUS can reduce menstrual blood loss by up to 90%, making it a first-line therapeutic option for heavy menstrual bleeding.

IUD Procedures - In & Out Safely

  • Pre-insertion: Counsel (benefits, risks, alternatives). Screen for contraindications (active PID, pregnancy, distorted uterine cavity, unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding, current breast cancer for hormonal IUDs), STI risk assessment.
  • Timing of Insertion:
    • Anytime during menstrual cycle (if reasonably sure not pregnant).
    • Postpartum: Immediate (<10 min of placental delivery), early (<48 hrs), or interval (≥4 weeks).
    • Post-abortion: Immediate (if no infection).
  • Insertion Technique: Bimanual exam, cervical cleansing, uterine sounding, IUD insertion. Pain: NSAIDs, paracervical block.

Mirena IUD Insertion Steps

  • Follow-up: Check threads after first menses, then annually. 📌 PAINS mnemonic for warning signs: Period late/abnormal, Abdominal pain, Infection exposure (STI), Not feeling well/fever, String missing/shorter/longer.
  • Removal Technique: Gentle, steady traction on threads. If difficult, assess for embedment/perforation.

⭐ Copper IUDs (Cu-IUD) can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, offering >99% effectiveness.

IUD Complications - Trouble Shooters

  • Expulsion: Rate ~2-10% in 1st year. Risks: nulliparity, age <20 yrs, immediate post-abortal/postpartum. Mgmt: Exclude pregnancy, offer new IUD/alternative.
  • Perforation: Incidence 1-2/1000. Dx: USG, X-ray. Mgmt: Laparoscopic removal.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Risk ↑ highest in first 20 days post-insertion. Mgmt: Broad-spectrum antibiotics. Remove IUD if no improvement in 48-72h.
  • Missing Threads: Systematic investigation required.
  • Pregnancy with IUD in situ: Risks: ↑ectopic, ↑miscarriage, ↑preterm labor. Mgmt: If threads visible & <12 weeks gestation, remove IUD. Counsel on risks if left.

    ⭐ If pregnancy occurs with an IUD, promptly rule out ectopic pregnancy as the relative risk is significantly higher.

  • Ectopic Pregnancy: IUDs ↓ overall ectopic risk vs. no contraception. However, if pregnancy occurs with an IUD, a higher proportion are ectopic.

Ultrasound: IUD and gestational sac

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • CuT 380A (Copper IUD) lasts 10 years; LNG-IUS (hormonal) lasts 5 years.
  • Copper IUDs: Spermicidal, endometrial inflammation. LNG-IUS: Thickens cervical mucus, thins endometrium.
  • Highly effective Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC).
  • Rapid return to fertility upon removal.
  • PID risk highest in first 20 days post-insertion.
  • Contraindications: Pregnancy, active PID, unexplained AUB, uterine distortion.
  • Copper IUD effective as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.
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Practice Questions: Intrauterine Devices

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A teenage girl presented with irregular cycles and increased facial hair. Her ovaries showed increased volume. Which of the following are used in the first line treatment? 1. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling 2. Anti-androgens 3. Lifestyle modifications 4. Combined oral contraceptive pills

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Flashcards: Intrauterine Devices

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_____ regimen is the least effective method of emergency contraception

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_____ regimen is the least effective method of emergency contraception

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Intrauterine Devices - Free Indian Medical PG High-Yield