TresSugar

Study Shows IUDs May Cut Risk of Cervical Cancer in Half

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:42:59 PDT

Whether you use a traditional copper IUD or the plastic version that releases the hormone progestin, a recent international study shows that both types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) may lower a woman's risk of cervical cancer. The data was collected from 10 previously published studies comparing women with cervical cancer to women without the disease, as well as data from 16 HPV frequency surveys conducted in 14 countries.

IUD use is already associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer, but research discovered that women who used this T-shaped device for at least a year had almost half the risk of developing cervical cancer as women who had never used one. This includes the two major types of cervical cancer known as squamous cell and adenosquamous carcinoma, which is caused by infection from the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).

Researchers aren't exactly sure how this little matchstick-sized IUD may help prevent cervical cancer. Since it hangs inside your uterus, the constant low-grade inflammation near the cervix may encourage the immune system to fight HPV, preventing the virus from duplicating.

This news is great for women already using an IUD or those considering it for pregnancy prevention, but IUDs aren't the best method for preventing cervical cancer. Using condoms and getting vaccinated to protect yourself from the HPV virus as well as scheduling regular Pap tests with your gynecologist are top on the list when it comes to cervical cancer prevention.

Are you overdue for a Pap smear? If so, here's your friendly reminder to make an appointment!

DrSugar Discusses Birth Control: IUDs

DrSugar — Thu, 19 May 2011 10:35:43 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! This week she explains the pros and cons of using IUDs for birth control.

To continue our ongoing series of gynecological topics, I have decided to write about intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a form of birth control. Even though I learned about IUDs through many outlets (sex ed in school, medical school), I decided to research them more thoroughly since the birth control pills I started taking after having my baby negatively affected my milk supply. I had to find an alternate mode of contraception so I could continue to have an abundant milk supply for my little one. I had a Paragard (copper) IUD inserted a couple of weeks ago and I'll share my experience as well as more information about two types of IUDs in today's column! Keep reading for more info.

Speed Read - New Guidelines For IUDs Might Be Coming

TresSugar — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:50:37 PDT

Annual sonograms may be needed to verify correct position of an IUD - Science Daily
Arizona outlaws abortion based on race or sex - WSJ
George Clooney might testify in Berlusconi's prostitution trial - People
Divorce wars: the big business of big money divorces - Double X
Britney Spears busts a move on Jimmy Kimmel - PopSugar
Oprah wants to give Donald Trump a makeover - NY Post
Student suspended for uncovering school employee is a porn star - Nerve
10 books to read before big-screen movies - BuzzSugar

IUD Check: Can You Spot the Myths From the Facts?

TresSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:00:00 PDT

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are the forgotten form of birth control in America. Yet in other developed countries, the tiny, T-shaped device, which gets implanted in the uterus, is one of the most popular methods of birth control. What happened? One heavily marketed brand gave IUDs a bad rap in the '70s, and American marketers and doctors have shied away from it since. In fact, many doctors go through medical school without ever learning how to insert one. No wonder they don't recommend it!

This week a Slate article called it the "best birth control," so maybe it's time to see what we know - and don't - about this sperm-stopping piece of plastic.

Take the Quiz

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Relieved When Your Period Comes?

DearSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:00:00 PDT

Assuming you aren't ready to have kids, you're most likely using some sort of birth control. But since condoms are only 85 percent effective, and IUCs and the pill are 99 percent effective, there is that small chance you could still get pregnant. So with that said, waiting for your period to come can be a nerve-wracking event. And even though getting your period and suffering through everything that comes with it isn't fun, when I'm sexually active, I'm almost elated when it comes! Are you ladies with me in this one? Do you get that relieved, excited feeling when your monthly friend comes even though you're using protection?

Source

You, Me, and IUCs: It's Quiz Time!

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:00:00 PDT

A little while back, I told you about IUCs, which are a kind of long-term birth control that are becoming really popular since many women don't want to have to remember to take their pill every day or interrupt lovemaking to slip on a condom. IUCs allow for spontaneous intimacy and are over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. There's a lot more to know, so let's see what you remember!

Source

Take the Quiz

You, Me, and IUCs: Mirena

DearSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:00:00 PDT

So yesterday I told you about one type of IUC, called Paragard, which is made of plastic and copper. Well Mirena is another type, also made out of plastic, but this one contains hormones, just like the Pill.

If you're interested in using birth control that you don't have to think about, Mirena may be right for you, but check out the pros and cons before you make any decisions.

Pros	Cons
It is 99.9 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and works for up to five years. Once inserted into your uterus, it's effective immediately.	Many women complain that getting Mirena inserted is extremely painful.

Want to see the rest? Then

Pros

Cons

It's FDA-approved.
Mirena contains less hormone dosage than the pill.
You'll have lighter, shorter periods, or you may stop having your period altogether.
Intimacy will be more spontaneous since you won't have to stop to slip on a condom or remember to take a pill everyday.
It's quickly reversible, so once it's removed, you can start trying to have kids immediately.

Side effects include cramping, acne, back pain, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, and mood changes, but these usually go away after three months.
You may experience heavier periods in the first three to six months, or spotting between periods.
Twelve percent of Mirena users experience ovarian cysts.
Mirena can slip out of the uterus leaving you unprotected against pregnancy.
It doesn't protect against STIs.

Have any of you ladies ever used Mirena? If so, tell us about it below.

Source

You, Me, and IUCs: ParaGard

DearSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:00:00 PDT

If you're looking for a new method of birth control, have you ever thought about an IUC, or intrauterine contraceptive (previously called an IUD)?

There are two brands of IUCs available in the US: ParaGard and Mirena, but let's discuss ParaGard first. It's made out of plastic but has copper wire wrapped around it. That copper is toxic to sperm and once inserted, it makes the uterus and fallopian tubes produce fluid, which kills the sperm. But just like all kinds of birth control, there are good and bad things about using ParaGard. Want to know what they are? Then

Pros

Cons

It is 99.4 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and works for up to 10 years. Once inserted, it's effective immediately.
It allows you to be spontaneous when it comes to intimacy.
You hardly have to think about it, though once a month between periods, you should check to see that it's in place (ask your doctor how).
Most women experience lighter periods or no periods at all (that's a plus!).
It's quickly reversible so you can start trying to have kids immediately.
It doesn't affect women's hormone levels.

Spotting between periods is common, and some women may experience heavier periods, which can lead to anemia.
It's rare but possible that after it's inserted, you can develop an infection that, if left untreated, could affect your future fertility. PID can also develop.
An IUC can slip out of the uterus leaving you unprotected against pregnancy. This usually happens to women who have never had a baby.
Another rare possibility is that the IUC can become embedded or pushed through the wall of your uterus. (Yikes!) You may need surgery to remove it.
It doesn't protect against STIs.

So ladies, do you use or have you ever used ParaGard? If so, please share your experiences in the comment section below, and stay tuned to learn about Mirena, the other kind of IUC.

Source

The Connection Between IUDs and Cancer

DearSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:00:00 PDT

As far as long-term birth control goes, IUDs aren't too popular in the US - only 2 percent of women who use contraception have one. With that said, I guess many people don't know about all the benefits of an IUD! Once it's inserted into your uterus, it offers protection from unplanned pregnancies for up to five years. That means they're a great choice for women who know that it'll be a while until they're ready to start a family, or if they've already had children and aren't planning on having anymore. Plus IUDs are 99.9 percent effective.

Here's some more great news. Using an IUD may also help protect women from endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. It can reduce a woman's risk by 40 percent, which is similar to the cancer-preventing qualities of oral contraceptives.

Dear's Advice: If you're interested in using an IUD, talk to your gynecologist. You should know that some women experience irregular bleeding or pain. Also, IUDs don't protect against STIs, so they're only a good option for women who are in a monogomous relationship with someone they know is disease free.

Source

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had an Unexpected Pregnancy?

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:00:00 PST

When we become sexually active, we do everything we can to prevent ourselves from becoming pregnant. We pop pills, get shots, implants, and IUDs, wear condoms, patches, and diaphragms, all for the one, huge purpose of not getting pregnant.

I'm sure all of you have had scares before, where the condom broke, you missed a pill, or your period was late, but what I want to know is, have you ever experienced an unplanned pregnancy?

Source