What's An IUD? Let's Talk Birth Control
In our conservative Asian society where most struggle to even broach the topic of sex and condoms, getting an IUD is a procedure that isn’t widely discussed.
When my female friends started talking about sex and forms of birth control, “the pill” and “patch” were often the most commonly discussed due to their less invasive nature. That changed when my yearlong stint in New York opened my eyes to a world where IUDs are the preferred method of birth control, mainly for their efficacy and effectiveness.
While the thought of surgically implanting a contraption in your body for birth control sounds almost “extreme” to some, why do people still choose to do so? Let’s get educated about the IUD and understand if it’s a suitable birth control method for you!
What is an IUD?
IUD stands for Intrauterine Device. As the name suggests, it is a device that is placed inside your uterus. It works well as a long-term option of birth control and is one of the most effective forms. To put things in perspective, IUDs have around 99.2% efficacy while condoms have 82% efficacy in preventing pregnancy.
Copper and Hormonal IUDs
There are generally two types of IUDs: Copper and Hormonal IUDs.
Hormonal IUD
Effectiveness: 99.8%
Usage: Tiny Intrauterine Device inserted into the uterus and can last ranging from 3-7 years inside to prevent pregnancy.
What happens: Releases hormone, progestin, which thickens the cervix mucus lining and prevents ovulation.
Estimated Costs: SGD $200-$500 excluding doctor’s fee
Copper IUD
Effectiveness: 99.2%
Usage: Tiny Intrauterine Device inserted into the uterus and can last up till 12 years inside to prevent pregnancy.
What happens: The copper lining in the IUD releases copper ions which:
Is toxic to the egg and sperm hence stops sperm from fertilising the egg
Slows the transport of the egg to decrease fertilization
Changes the lining of the uterus to make it unable to support a fertilised egg
Estimated Costs: SGD $200-$500 excluding doctor’s fee
What is the IUD surgery procedure like?
The nurse or doctor opens up the walls of your vagina with a tool to examine your vagina and cervix.
The area will be cleaned and the IUD will be inserted through your cervix into your uterus. Fun fact, an IUD is only the size of a 50-cent coin!
An ultrasound may be carried out to check if the position of the IUD is correct
The actual procedure only lasts around 5 to 10 minutes.
Once your IUD is inserted, there will be 1 to 2 inches of string hanging outside of your cervix. You should be able to feel through your vagina if the IUD is intact or has slipped out of place. It is recommended to check if the string is still in place on a monthly basis
What happens after you get an IUD?
Light spotting -- which means very light bleeding (think the last day of your period) - and slight cramps can be expected after an IUD procedure. It is typically safe to have sex 24 hours after you get a hormonal IUD. However, do remember to check with your doctor as a precaution!
Since getting an IUD in Singapore is pretty intimidating for people used to using less invasive forms of birth control, I found a friend who was willing to share about her experience after 1 year of having a copper IUD! Her reason for getting an IUD was because she didn’t want to deal with the pregnancy scares as condoms are not the most effective birth control method and as a couple, it is simply a more convenient form of contraception.
“I am 23 years old and I got an IUD.”
I got my copper IUD inserted on 1st Feb 2020, slightly over a year ago! I decided to do it at KK Hospital because they offered a shorter wait. However, it was also slightly more expensive at $200-300 SGD for a Copper IUD that can last from 3 to 4 years. I have heard that getting a copper IUD at polyclinics are cheaper but may have a longer wait. I didn’t want to wait for too long!
After the procedure, I experienced slight cramps and when I squat down to tie my shoelaces I blacked out for a few seconds. This sounds scary but it’s apparently pretty common if you naturally get light-headed easily or have low blood pressure. My body was probably just in shock for a bit right after the surgery. The post-op experience highly varies according to the individual. I would highly recommend anyone to be accompanied to the clinic/ hospital just in case!
I don’t usually get period cramps so I can’t compare the cramps I have experienced to the typical pain level but my cramps were on the bad side for a few hours after and experienced some light spotting. My cramps subsided after a few hours, but for another one of my friends who had done the procedure, she experienced no pain at all!
For my next 2 to 3 menstrual cycles, I experienced a heavier flow than normal and slight cramps but my period flow returned to normal after those few times. Surprisingly, the IUD regulated my period which was highly irregular before this.
The doctor will schedule an appointment with you to check that everything is good a month later and the next appointment will be for after a year!
Pros and Cons of Getting an IUD
Benefits of an IUD
Works immediately
Not affected by any medication
Other birth control options need “cadence”, which means you have to regularly pay attention to either wearing a condom every sexual encounter, have a birth control pill every day, or change your birth control patch every few days. For IUDs, you put it in once and can essentially “forget about it” for a long period of time.
Risks of an IUD
Can experience discomfort and cramps during and after insertion
Some women face expulsion of the IUD and perforation (jabs a small hole) of the womb. Do not that this is rare, only about 0.2-5% of women experience this.
May experience infection in first 3 weeks
May get dislodged if not inserted properly
Where can I get an IUD in Singapore?
You can get an IUD at any Polyclinic or general hospital in Singapore. For reference, it is around $300 to get it at KK hospital with a rough breakdown of: $140 consultation, $110 insertion, $40 IUD. Private clinics can charge up to $800 as well.
How long does an IUD last for?
An IUD can last from 3 to 12 years depending on the type of IUD you get. If you want to get it removed for whatever reason at all, you can also remove it at any time! It is a simple procedure that can easily be done at the polyclinic.
Does having an IUD affect pregnancy in the future?
Having an IUD does not affect future pregnancies at all, once it is removed. It is immediately reversal and removal is simple. There is also no delay in fertility after its removal.
Do I still need to use a condom after getting an IUD?
YES. An IUD is an effective birth control method but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Remember, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and even skin to skin contact. Condoms or other BARRIER forms of birth control must be used even if you have an IUD implant to prevent the spread of STDs!