It is time to take another look at an ingenious birth control device that is out of sight and out of mind.
IUDs are A-OKAY.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most effective method of birth control, but underutilized by American women. Effective, no-maintence and completely reversible, the new-and-approved IUD is safe, available and covered under Obamacare.
Now IUDS are social also media luminaries.
Hashtag #TeamIUD rules on Twitter and other platforms. Some women blog about their experiences with their beloved “plastic T.”
The Center for Disease Control found that the number of women using IUDs nearly doubled from 2010 to 2013. After reviewing the research, it is easy to see why.
IUDs are the most effective form of birth control, better than birth control pills, the patch, vaginal rings and condoms. Most other birth control methods depend on correct and consistent use in order to work. Nearly half of unintended pregnancies occur when birth control methods are misused.
IUDs eliminate the chance for human error. Condoms can break and women can forget to take their birth control pills, but the IUD is mistake proof. After it has been inserted by a doctor, it is a care-free method to prevent pregnancy.
A 2014 study published by New England Journal of Medicine reported that providing teenage girls with access to long-term birth control methods like the intrauterine device can reduce unwanted pregnancy and abortion rates by 75 percent.
IUDs can last from 3-12 years and are completely reversible. If a woman wanted to start a family, all she would have to do is make an appointment with her doctor to have the insert removed. While this method may be the most effective against pregnancy, it is important to remember that the IUD does not protect against sexually-transmitted diseases.
It is hard to understand why IUDs are not the number one form of birth control. It may be the most efficient form of birth control and growing in popularity, but the IUD remains under-appreciated.
A stigma still haunts the IUD. In the 1970s and ‘80s, the original IUD resulted in bacterial infections, miscarriages and death as a result of the poor design. Some doctors remain reluctant to discuss this option.
Like computers, photos and cars, the IUD has come a long way in the last 40 years and is now highly-recommended by pediatricians and gynecologists. Price has been a barrier. An IUD costs $500-$900.
Obamacare to the rescue! Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, chances are good that a woman’s health insurance will cover IUDs. This also applies for other birth control methods like the pill and patch. Prescriptions are still required.
Social media is on the IUD bandwagon and here’s hoping that women get the word.
IUDs are the overachieving underdogs of birth control.