When does an iud start working?

Ah, the infamous IUD – AKA the tiny T-shaped device that resides in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Some love it for its convenience, while others detest the very thought of it (and we don’t blame them!). Nevertheless, if you’re considering getting one yourself, you need to know when exactly they start ‘working’ so you can plan accordingly. So pull up a chair and let’s dive deep into this question of timing.

First things first: what is an IUD?

If you’re new to all this contraceptive lingo or just have no idea what we’re talking about, allow us to give you a simple breakdown. An intrauterine device (IUD) is essentially a small piece of plastic or copper that gets inserted into your uterus by your doctor. It doesn’t necessarily stop eggs from being produced (like hormonal birth control methods do), but rather creates a hostile environment for sperm with its various mechanisms (more on how it works later!). There are two main types: copper and hormonal – both offer varying levels of effectiveness as well as side effects.

The million-dollar question

So, now onto the juicy stuff! You might be wondering just how long until you can enjoy fully protected sex after getting an IUD. Here’s where things get complicated because there isn’t really one answer, alas!

Copper vs hormonal

The type of IUD could potentially influence how soon after insertion it starts working. With copper devices (affectionately known as “non-hormonal” options), protection kicks in immediately upon insertion – hoo-rah! As mentioned before, they create an inhospitable setting for sperm with ionic activity which effectively makes sure those buggers can’t swim all the way up and fertilize any eggs waiting around like little marine assassins.

Hormonal IUDs, on the other hand (Mirena and Kyleena brands etc.) work a little differently. They don’t provide instant protection but instead release synthetic hormones (progesterone) which thicken cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. Therefore they need some time to start working.

How long till the magic happens?

So let’s focus on hormonal IUDs here (everyone loves a bit of mystery, right?). Depending on your circumstances, it can take between 24 hours-7 days before its effectiveness kicks in. Just enough time for you to sit back with a glass of your favourite refreshment and contemplate life’s questions as one often does at these times…

  • Mirena – taken around or within seven days of starting your period.

  • Skyla/Jaydess – Same technique as above or within first five days after beginning period.

  • Liletta/Kyleena/Qlaira/Levonelle– Use contraception until after half cycle before device is implanted

Remember that exact timings vary depending on individual patients so always be sure what your doctor recommends!

Understanding how an IUD works

We aren’t all made equal when it comes to our ability (or lack thereof) to compute mathematical formulas and diagrams- Thankfully then there are diagrams like this.

IUD Diagram

Please excuse our elementary scribbles! As you can see from this picture we have traced out just some mechanisms that cause interference against pregnancy if utilised correctly by yourself during intercourse…Go ahead…print it….frame it….hang out outside fancy art schools….you get my point

Anyway, In addition / Aside from thickening mucus mentioned above: The artificial hormone causes changes in the lining – making gasps almost impenetrable fortress style protection against ovulation (the release of eggs), and even changes the fallopian tubes to make travel for sperm much more treacherous. Jeez, it’s colder than your ex partner’s heart in November down there before they’ve even had a chance!

Waiting periods

It is recommended that you wait about 24-48 hours after insertion to engage in any hanky panky. (Yes, we’re serious!). There are a few different reasons for this:

  1. Firstly, some women may experience cramping or spotting after getting an IUD inserted so doctors recommend waiting until these side effects have subsided.

  2. Secondly you gotta let the device settle into place! If knocked outta position…I mean if the word “position” wasn’t obvious enough 😉 The sudden movements during sex could slip it from its secure spot preventing effectiveness and causing injury: Ouch!

  3. And finally test that thing out properly with plausible deniability – early signs can include ‘lost’ puncture holes which create openings where pregnancy can occur.

All sounds reasonable right? Remember – once protected always double protected!

What about over time?

If all goes according to plan and your IUD does indeed work as expected, you should be able to enjoy worry-free contraception without fussing around with pills or condoms whenever uhhh…. “business” pops up (take no business advice from us please). (Hint: vaginal infections follow risky behavior). So next question; How long will my little T-shaped miracle last?

Copper vs hormonal (pt II.)

This entirely depends on whether you chose synthetic hormones (hormonal) or not (Copper); because both options have at their core distinct mechanisms protecting against pregnancy when implanted.

A copper based device such as ‘Paragard’, has proteins interwoven throughout creating an ideal situation for blocking off those pesky sperm nuclei. Otherwise known as copper toxicity, this method provides protection from pregnancy for up to 10-12 years.

A hormonal type such as ‘Mirena’, ‘Skyla’, and just like our friend Ross once informed us: “unagi”… releases low doses of synthetic progesterone in addition to a high density progestogen implant within the IUD itself. This can provide effective contraception for between three and five years depending on how exactly it was implanted.

Other stuff you need to know

There are a few other things you should keep in mind when considering an IUD (just call our team “I-U-D-legend” because we’ve got your back!):

Perfect use vs typical use

Ah yes, one of the most critical parts of any contraceptive! Perfect-use effectiveness means using it correctly 100% of the time – which is quite unlikely given all sorts can happen at times where libido/short term thinking may come into play (yes by definition that includes every single human being ever). If used perfectly rate ranges from 0.1 – 0.5%; however typical-use perfect opposite end example shows rates somewhere around: 4 – 8%.

Proper placement

To ensure maximum safety against unexpected pregnancies make sure insertion is performed by a trained professional. The device must be inserted right past cervix into deep position with thread cord so migration or slippage doesn’t occur!

Hormonal side effects

Hormonal-based devices do release synthetically produced hormones; meaning unrelated bodily functions may still not love them… these include mood swinging galore (some believe extra gallows humor arises:)) Weight gain perhaps? Some people’s bodies don’t react too well dragging down overall wellbeing therefore understandably always speak with doctor if concerned about potential health issues.

Unexpected Pregnancy

On rare occasion, even with correct placement and timings, an IUD may fail to protect against pregnancy. Should you believe you might be carrying “the miracle of life” within your uterus despite all precautions being taken, speak with a health professional asap!

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, deciding on whether or not an IUD is right for you can be a very personal decision based on many factors – but having all relevant information under your belt certainly doesn’t hurt! Remember that when it comes to timing of effectiveness, copper-based devices work immediately while their hormonal counterparts need somewhere between 24 hours and seven days before working at full capacity.

And don’t forget…regardless starts shouting what choice made towards “locker room” talk: Respect isn’t just reserved for yourself its also crucial in all relationships involving anything approaching…are they gone yet?….^whispers sexual intimacy

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