PSA: Misconceptions on contraception; IUCD, what you need to know
Over the week on Facebook, user Nor Fazelette Shahar shared her experience in a government clinic also known as Klinik Kesihatan (KK) in Malay with her choice of birth control, the IUCD.
IUCD is short for Intrauterine Contraceptive Device, a (normally) T-shaped device inserted through the cervix into your uterus with a string left inside your vagina.
In her post, she credited the IUCD for helping with her family planning for the past 3 effortless years.
Fazelette also describes how happy she was with the service she had gotten at the KK she visited.
Fazalette basically was advocating the benefits and advantages of an IUCD and how easy it is to get done at the KK.
So what is all this IUCD?
We already know that its a small device (about the size of the old 50cent coin, but thinner), and a speculum is needed to see through your vagina and embed it into your uterus, but…
Who can get it?
The government says an IUCD is encouraged as a form of contraception for women immediately after abortion or 6-8 weeks after delivery before starting on sexual activity.
Teenagers or single sexually active women are not recommended to use this device because an IUCD does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
They aren’t being biased, as there really is a scientific explanation to this. According to the American Family Physicians, the reason is that unexplained vaginal bleeding or sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are a reason NOT TO GET AN IUCD.
I.E. if you unknowingly have an STD and have an IUCD inserted, you may get a terrible infection which can cause you to lose your whole uterus.
What are the advantages?
There are 2 types of IUCDs currently in the market and they each have their own benefits.
The most commonly used IUCD is the copper rod insertion that helps to occupy the uterus and acts as a ‘sperm-killer’.
As a stable ‘sperm-killer’ copper rods are considered the cheapest and most long-lasting birth control there is in the market.
The other is a hormonal rod that releases a hormone called progesterone that thickens the lining of the uterus thus helping to prevent the embedding of fertilised eggs in your uterus.
As a hormonal rod, it can help women who have heavy menstrual bleeding or constant (bad) cramping period pains.
Are there any side effects?
Basically, when you first get your IUCD inserted, you might have some spotting in the first month after insertion.
Some patients have also complained of heavier flow with a longer duration of menses.
However, it really is a case-to-case basis and you have to discuss this with your doctor.
How effective is it?
Each IUCD last about 3-5 years and has an efficiency rate of up to 99%.
OK, fine. I want it. What now?
All you have to do now is visit your nearest KK for a RM1 consultation about the IUCD.
If you are eligible, IUCD’s are currently freely provided by the government.
That’s all for now for birth control, we hope you choose the best type for your own self.
