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Preventing pregnancy is the most common reason women use birth control such as IUDs. However, there are many additional benefits for using an IUD.

Hormonal IUD birth control (MIRENA or KYLEENA IUDs) work by thinning the lining of the uterus so there’s less blood to expel during your period. This reduces, shortens or can stop your period flow and can also decrease period cramps caused by the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals, that come from the cells in your uterine lining.

1. Heavy menstrual periods/flow

If you struggle with heavy bleeding, hormonal IUD birth control can improve your quality of life. MIRENA IUD can stop your periods completely whereas Kyleena IUD makes your periods much lighter. Athletes often choose hormonal IUD birth control if they don’t want to have their periods.

2. Iron deficiency Anemia due to heavy periods/flow

Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron loss and anemia. The use of Mirena or Kyleena hormonal IUD birth control has been found to replenish iron stores in your body by stopping or decreasing menstrual bleeding.

3. Bleeding & Pain Associated with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus either on the bowel wall or other areas of the pelvis causing painful periods, and/or pelvic or bowel pain. Mirena or Kyleena Hormonal IUD birth control can help to stop or reduce period flow and pain associated with endometriosis.

4. Menstrual difficulties caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition occurring in women of childbearing age as well in women who are obese. PCOS can also run-in families and it’s common for sisters or a mother and daughter to have PCOS.

In this condition, the ovaries produce an excess amount of the male hormone called testosterone. Symptoms of PCOS include missed, irregular or very light periods, acne, excessive body hair, weight gain, hair thinning and Infertility. Hormonal iud birth control has been found to be effective in reducing menstrual issues caused by polycystic ovarian disease.

5. Improves symptoms related to PMS & PMDD

Changes in hormone levels are considered to be the underlying cause of mood symptoms in those suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Some types of birth control pills have been found to improve mood swings, weight gain acne, sore breasts and bloating. Mirena Hormonal IUD birth control can help to reduce mood related difficulties and has also been found to lessen the severity and frequency of menstrual-related migraines.

6. Emergency Contraception IUD

Copper and Mirena IUDs can be used as emergency contraception IUD if inserted no longer than 7 days after unprotected sex.

7. Lowers Risk of Uterine & Cervical Cancers

The use of IUD birth control has also been linked to a lowered risk of gynecologic cancers including uterine and cervical cancer. The protection provided by IUD birth control can last for years and so can the cancer-preventative benefits. MIRENA IUD is often used to prevent endometrial cancer or treat this type of cancer in its early stages.

8. Can be used when other methods of birth control contaning Estrogen and progestoerone are contraindicated

Non-hormonal Copper IUDs are often used in cases of breast cancer when hormones including estrogen or progesterone must be avoided. If you have been diagnosed with a hormone-sensitive form of cancer, make sure to discuss your birth control options with your oncologist.

Other situations where estrogen is contraindicated include nicotine smokers, women over 35 years with hypertension, women with migraines with aura and patients who take seizure or psychiatric medications like Lamotragine.

When visiting the women’s iud clinic, we will review your existing health history before deciding which type of IUD birth control is best for you.

As you have learned, there is more to IUD birth control than preventing pregnancy . Whether your goal is to prevent pregnancy or to use an IUD to manage heavy periods, PCOS, endometriosis, iron loss or as emergency contraception, at the women’s iud clinic we help you choose the IUD that is best for you.