Staying Open-Minded About Your Healthcare

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.

Considering Birth Control? 3 Reasons To Choose An IUD

Health & Medical Blog

If you are considering a birth control method, whether for pregnancy prevention or to help with menstrual problems, an intrauterine device (IUD) might be the answer. In the past, only women who had children could have an IUD; now, more gynecologists are inserting IUDs in women without a prior pregnancy.

1. Set It And Forget It

One of the most attractive features of IUD is they can last upwards of a decade, depending on the type, without any maintenance. Although the initial insertion will be more expensive than other birth control methods, such a the pill, you do not have to remember to take a pill every day or visit the doctor every three months if you use the shot.

This allows women to have more freedom in their lifestyle because they can travel or relocate without being tethered to the pharmacy or a doctor. One of the common disadvantages of using the pill is that you must take it the same time each day so it will be effective. Forgetting your pill in the morning and taking it later that day could leave you vulnerable to an unexpected pregnancy.

2. To Hormone Or Not To Hormone?

Most birth control methods are effective because they contain hormones. Some women experience significant side effects from the use of hormones, such as mood changes, weight gain, and acne. If you have a family history of vascular disease or a personal history of migraines, are a smoker, or have developed blood clots, you are even more limited in the types of birth control you can use. This means any methods containing estrogen are off the table.

Fortunately, IUDs are available in hormonal and non-hormonal form. Women who specifically want to prevent a pregnancy may opt to use the copper IUD since it does not contain hormones. IUDs containing hormones are progestin-only, which is safe to use for women who cannot use estrogen but would prefer any benefits that come along with using hormones.

3. Bye, Bye Menstrual Problems

Of course, every woman will respond differently to an IUD, but the hormonal-based IUD is generally associated with fewer menstrual problems. After the initial insertion, you will probably experience cramping and possibly spotting. Eventually, this should resolve as your body becomes accustomed to the device.

Women who typically have heavy and painful periods may notice after several months, their periods are lighter, and they have fewer cramps. In some cases, women stop having their period altogether. Unfortunately, the copper IUD is not associated with the same benefits and women might have more uncomfortable periods.

An IUD can give women the most flexibility in the type of birth control they want. Although the insertion must be performed in a medical setting, having many years of birth control without a thought can make an IUD the ideal method. Contact a company like Western Branch Center for Women for more information and assistance. 

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25 March 2018