Keep Forgetting to Take the Pill? An IUD Could Be Your Ideal Form of Birth Control

June 3, 2019

Women today have so many more choices for preventing unwanted pregnancy than previous generations. But not all birth control methods offer a one-size-fits-all solution for every woman.

Dr. Martin Pakideh and Dr. Soudabeh Ahadi offer a wide range of birth control options; but more importantly, they assess your plans for family, your health history, and your lifestyle to determine which options are right for you.

Overview of birth control pills

Birth control pills are widely available and have been used successfully by many women as their primary form of contraception.

Pills contain estrogen and progestin (sometimes only progestin) hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs and cause the mucus lining of your cervix to thicken. All these actions keep sperm from successfully fertilizing the egg.

While pills are a great option for many women looking for a reliable form of birth control, some women aren’t good candidates for this type of contraception. You may not be able to tolerate the hormones in birth control pills due to existing health issues.

Other reasons you may need to consider other options besides the pill include:

  • You’re over 35
  • You’re a smoker
  • You take other medications

The pill may also not be a suitable option if you have difficulty remembering to take it at the same time each day without fail, difficult for many women to do because of their busy lifestyle.

Looking beyond birth control pills

If your age, health history, or forgetfulness can influence the effectiveness of the pill, there are other birth control options to think about. For many, the answer lies in the also popular intrauterine device, also known as an IUD, offering 99% effectiveness against pregnancy.

An IUD is a tiny, T-shaped device that Dr. Pakideh or Dr. Ahadi inserts into your uterus. The device contains the same progestin hormone as the birth control pill to prevent conception, but it’s also available in a nonhormonal form, that uses copper to prevent pregnancy. The copper kills sperm to prevent fertilization of the egg.

Just like the pill, IUDs won’t protect you against sexually transmitted disease (STD), so you’ll still need to use condoms during sex.

The many benefits of an IUD

In addition to the benefit of not having to remember to take a daily pill, non-hormonal IUDs can effectively prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. IUDs are easily removable if you want to start having children.

If the copper-based, non hormonal IUD is right for you, pregnancy prevention starts right away, even preventing pregnancy if placed within five days of having unprotected sex.

Like the pill, hormonal IUDs take a week or more to become effective and you’ll need a backup form of birth control in the meantime. However, once in place, hormone IUDs offer three to five years of pregnancy prevention.

With the IUD, convenience plays a big factor. This form of birth control requires no forethought and no need to pause intimate moments to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.

If you’re ready to find out if the IUD is right for you, schedule a consultation at Monroe OB/GYN today by calling the office at 734-242-2022.

Send a Message to
Monroe OBGYN

Terms & Conditions

View More Blogs Below

Benefits of Working with a Midwife

Benefits of Working with a Midwife

As you navigate the many new aspects of life as a pregnant woman, you likely have a lot of questions about your health, your baby’s development, and your impending labor and delivery. If you’re looking for guidance and support throughout your pregnancy, it’s time to...

read more
5 Tips for Managing Perimenopause Symptoms

5 Tips for Managing Perimenopause Symptoms

Hot flashes, anxiety, and mood swings are all common signs you’re heading into menopause, the time when your periods stop for good. For many women, the transition to menopause isn’t always a smooth one. If you’re experiencing symptoms that disrupt your life or make...

read more
Which Type of Birth Control is Right for You?

Which Type of Birth Control is Right for You?

When it comes to planning your family, the right birth control can ensure you make the best choices for you and your health. At Monroe OBGYN, Martin Pakideh, DO, and Soudabeh Ahadi, MD, understand that choosing the right birth control is a highly personalized...

read more
Why Experience Matters When It Comes to Botox Injections

Why Experience Matters When It Comes to Botox Injections

Botox® is a popular and effective way to reduce the severity of wrinkles and lines that make you look older than your age. At Monroe OBGYN, Soudabeh Ahadi, MD offers Botox injections in our office to restore your youthful appearance without the need for surgical...

read more
Get Rid of Stretch Marks in Time for Summer

Get Rid of Stretch Marks in Time for Summer

While the cold months of winter are still hanging around, you have time to eliminate those stretch marks just in time for summer swimsuit season. At Rejuvenating Cosmetics, the medical spa side of Monroe OBGYN, the skilled aesthetic team offers comprehensive,...

read more
Your Sexual Health Matters

Your Sexual Health Matters

When you’re experiencing changes in your sexual health because of vaginal dryness or irritation, know that there are treatment options available to address your issues without surgery. At Rejuvenating Cosmetics in Monroe, MI, a part of Monroe OBGYN, the aesthetics...

read more

Pin It on Pinterest