80% of Women Who Use an IUD Are Not Using it for Birth Control, Reports Birth Control Buzz
Vancouver, Canada (PRWEB) May 11, 2009 -- Back in the '70s and '80s, the IUD got a bad rap due to concerns regarding septic abortions and pelvic infections. Women and their doctors shied away from the IUD, and it was eventually taken off the market.
However, in the past decade, new research and advances in the IUD prove that it is safe, effective and convenient. In fact, it has come back better than ever, as not just a reversible contraceptive device, but also as a form of relief for women suffering from heavy bleeding during menopause.
What is an IUD?
The IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device with a string attached to the end. It is placed inside the uterus. There are two types of IUDs: Mirena IUK (http://birthcontrolbuzz.com/MirenaIUD.aspx), which is also called an IUS (intrauterine system) because it contains an active drug. Mirena slowly releases small amounts of the hormone levonorgestrel (commonly used in birth control pills) into the lining of the uterus. The Mirena IUD is approved for five years of use. The other type of IUD is a copper IUD, which releases small amounts of copper into the uterus to create a hostile environment for sperm. The copper IUD is approved for up to 10 years of use. An IUD must be inserted and removed by a doctor.
Effective birth control for women of all ages
The IUD effectively prevents fertilization of an egg by a sperm. It can be used to prevent pregnancy in any woman who wants long- or short-term reversible contraception. Almost any woman can use the IUD, whether she has had children or not, had a genital tract infection or an ectopic pregnancy. Unlike oral birth control, the IUD is not systemic, making it safe for women who might be breastfeeding. The fact that it is a form of birth control that doesn't require a continuous action, like having to take a pill every day, makes it an ideal (and cost-effective) alternative.
The IUD is especially helpful for women over 35, who are not advised to take oral birth control. Women in this age group may be undecided or unprepared to have children, and thus are still looking for an effective form of birth control. Because it is approved for up to 5 years, the Mirena IUS gives them time to decide.
Surprising new applications for the IUD
While the IUD was developed for birth control, Birth Control Buzz (www.birthcontrolbuzz.com) reports that 80% of its IUD sales is for off-label indication. The majority of women purchasing the IUD are pre-menopausal, and are experiencing heavy and prolonged bleeding.
In addition, new findings support the use of the IUD to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, help treat early endometrial cancer in women who are poor surgical candidates, to protect the endometrium in women taking estrogen during menopause, and to manage pain associated with endometriosis.
When compared to other forms of birth control that must be purchased on a regular basis, the IUD is one of the least expensive contraceptives. An IUD can be purchased from a Canadian online pharmacy, a physician or a pharmacist. Through Birth Control Buzz, the Mirena IUD costs just $270.00. A doctor's prescription is required. An IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted disease (STD.)
For more information on the Mirena IUD (http://birthcontrolbuzz.com/MirenaIUD.aspx) and its applications, please contact Claudia Todosychuk at info (at) birthcontrolbuzz (dot) com or 1-866-868-8850.
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