How do intrauterine devices (IUDs) work?
January 23, 2025
How do intrauterine devices (IUDs) work?
Contraception is the best way to ensure your family doesn’t grow before you’re truly ready. No birth control method is 100% effective, but you’ll get the best results if you select the form of contraception that best suits your lifestyle and use it correctly and consistently. Our physicians and clinical staff at Central Clinic for Women
are committed to providing dedicated and compassionate care for women of all ages, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any questions about family planning or if you’d like to schedule an annual exam!
There are pros and cons that accompany every form of contraception, and we’re always happy to help you review your options. We offer IUDs from leading pharmaceutical companies, including Nexplanon, Paragard, Mirena, and Skyla, and you and your physician will determine which device is most suitable for you. We also provide a full range of gynecology services and obstetric care for women, including 3D Screening Mammography, Menopause care, and Bioidentical Hormone Optimization Therapy.
IUDs reduce the ability of sperm to reach the egg for fertilization, and they fall into two main categories: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs release a synthetic hormone that causes the cervical mucus to thicken, preventing the sperm from reaching the uterus. Copper IUDs contain a small amount of copper, which creates a toxic environment for sperm by producing an immune response in the uterus. Your IUD will be inserted during an outpatient office visit and will be effective for three to 12 years, depending on the specific product you choose. You’ll never have to remember to take a pill once your IUD is in place, and it’s easy to remove if your family planning priorities change.
It’s normal to experience increased cramping after insertion, but many of the side effects that accompany oral contraceptives are much less common. Women who use copper IUDs might experience cramping or increased menstrual bleeding; with a hormonal IUD, you may experience irregular bleeding for the first few months and might eventually stop having periods. Be sure to contact your OB-GYN immediately if you experience any sustained side effects after your IUD is in place.
Contact us online
or at (501) 227-5885
today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
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As you approach menopause, you’ve probably already heard a lifetime of horror stories from friends and older relatives about what to expect. The experience certainly has no shortage of ups and downs, but they all survived, and so will you! The good news is that you won’t have to go through “the change” on your own, and our dedicated all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to ease your menopause journey! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus in Little Rock, and our services include annual women’s health and cervical cancer screenings, 3D mammograms, bone health assessments, and other tests and procedures as needed. We recognize that each woman's experience is unique, and we provide individualized care to address your specific needs and concerns so you can navigate menopause with confidence. Here are a few frequently asked questions about menopause, and we’re a phone call away if you’d like to learn more or schedule your annual well-woman exam. When does menopause begin? Menopause begins for most women when they reach their early 50s, but some women might start experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-to-late 40s. What are the most common symptoms of menopause? Many women start experiencing a host of unpleasant symptoms once they reach middle age, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods; You might also experience mood swings or struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Menopause affects all women differently, and it’s important to discuss any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms with your doctor right away. What can I do on my own to manage my symptoms? One of the most important things you can do to manage menopause symptoms is to eat right and get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least three times a week. And if you smoke, quit now! It should also come as no surprise that stress can adversely affect your health, so do your best to identify the natural stressors in your life and plan accordingly. There’s also no shame in talking to a behavioral therapist or other mental health professional if you need further assistance to cope with extreme stress, anxiety, or depression! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 to schedule a menopause care appointment or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
