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			contraception : physical devices LNg IUD Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device
	more natural methods physical devices medication surgical emergency		An IUD is a small device which is placed into the uterine cavity. The vertical arm of this IUD contains the hormone levonorgestrel. This hormone is much like the progesterone a woman's ovaries produce during her monthly cycle. Each week the Levonorgestrel IUD gives off about the same amount of hormone that one or two Ovrette mini-pills provide. The levonorgestrel causes the cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg. Among typical couples who use this IUD, one in 1000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. When it becomes available in the United States, complete information about this contraceptive will be available from your clinician or from the package insert. Advantages: The Levonorgestrel IUD is the most effective reversible contraceptive method. It prevents ectopic pregnancies and pelvic inflammatory disease, decreases menstrual cramping, and dramatically decreases menstrual blood loss. (One study found a 97% reduction in menstrual blood loss.) The LNg IUD may be left in place for at least 7 years. IUDs are safe, inexpensive (in the long term), convenient, and private. All you have to do is check for the strings each month. IUDs are far more readily reversible than tubal sterilization or vasectomy. Given the extremely low failure rate of the Levonorgestrel IUD, a person using this method is far less likely to have either the emotional or financial expenses associated with an unintended pregnancy. Disadvantages: The Levonorgestrel IUD often changes the menstrual cycle. There are more bleeding days than normal for the first few months and less than normal after 6 to 8 months. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome, contact your clinician. There are medications which may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding. The IUD provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if you are at risk for infection. There is a high initial cost of insertion. The IUD must be inserted by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician's assistant. As of June 1997, the Levonorgestrel IUD is not available in the United States. Where can I get an LNg IUD? The Levonorgestrel IUD has not been approved for use in the United States yet. This IUD is currently available in Great Britain, Finland, and several other European countries. Most clinics insert IUDs when a woman has her period or within 7 days after her last period began. If the risk of pregnancy can be excluded, it may be possible to insert an IUD at other times. What if I have sex before my IUD is inserted and I don't use birth control? For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER unprotected sex, you can have an IUD put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.		physical devices cervical cap condoms for men condoms for women vaginal film(VCF) diaphragm copper T IUD emergency IUD levonorgestrel IUD progestasert IUD norplant implants
			Last Update: 12/13/2005

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