KB spiral or intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of contraceptive for women to prevent pregnancy. Spiral contraception has a shape resembling the letter T and its use is done by inserting it into the uterus.
Spiral contraception works by blocking sperm cells from entering the uterus, so sperm cells cannot reach the egg and fertilization does not occur. This tool can be used for the long term, ie for 3–10 years, depending on the type of spiral contraception used.
In addition to sterilization and KB implants, spiral KB can also be an effective and safe contraception, because the success rate reaches 99%. However, not all women can use this contraceptive.
Types of Spiral KB
The following are the types of spiral KB that you can choose from:
Copper plated spiral KB
Copper-coated spiral KB can be used for 5-10 years. This type of spiral contraceptive works by releasing copper elements in the uterus. The copper content that is released makes the sperm cells unable to rise and reach the egg.
In addition, the copper content also prevents the fertilized egg from sticking to the uterine wall and developing into a fetus. This type of family planning can also be used as an emergency contraception. However, birth control must be placed within 5 days after sexual intercourse.
KB spiral contains hormones
Unlike copper plated spiral KB, this type of spiral KB can only be used for 3–5 years. This spiral contraceptive is coated with a progestin hormone that works by thickening cervical mucus, so sperm cells cannot reach the egg.
In addition, this hormone can also thin the lining of the uterine wall and inhibit ovulation or the release of an egg that is ready to be fertilized from the ovary (ovary).
Spiral KB Indications
Spiral birth control can be used by women who have decided to prevent pregnancy in the long term. Spiral birth control can also be used by women who want to avoid the side effects of using birth control pills.
In addition, spiral contraception is more practical, unlike birth control pills, which must be taken every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. Therefore, spiral contraception can be a contraceptive option for women who have a busy schedule or often forget to take their birth control pills.
KB Spiral Warning
As explained earlier, not all women can use this contraceptive. Although generally safe, spiral contraception should not be used in women with the following conditions:
- Are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant
- Suffering from uterine deformities that damage the uterine cavity
- Suffering from sexually transmitted diseases
- Have had a pelvic infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or cervicitis, in the past 3 months
- Suffering from uterine cancer or cervical cancer
- Experiencing vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- Have Wilson's disease or have an allergy to copper, if the type used is copper-coated spiral birth control
- Suffering from breast cancer or liver tumors, if the type used is hormonal spiral contraception
Advantages and Disadvantages of Spiral KB
Before deciding to use spiral birth control, patients need to know the advantages and disadvantages of spiral birth control. The following are the advantages of using spiral KB:
- Effective and long-lasting in preventing pregnancy, because the success rate is 99% with use for 3–10 years
- Does not require daily maintenance after implantation in the womb
- Can be used by breastfeeding mothers
- If planning a pregnancy, the patient can remove the spiral KB at any time and can get pregnant immediately
- Spiral contraceptives containing hormones can relieve symptoms and complaints premenstrual syndrome, shortens menstrual periods, and makes bleeding less during menstruation
Meanwhile, the disadvantages of spiral KB are:
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
- The procedure when inserting a spiral contraceptive into the uterus can be uncomfortable and can be painful
- There is a risk of infection during insertion and during the first 3 weeks
- If spiral contraception is not successful and the patient is pregnant, it can increase the risk of complications in pregnancy
- Can come out of the uterus in whole or in part, although this is rare
- Copper-coated spiral birth control can worsen menstrual cramps and increase menstrual bleeding volume
- Spiral contraceptives that contain hormones can cause irregular periods
Before KB Spiral
Before installing spiral KB, usually the doctor will do a thorough examination of the patient, to ensure that the patient can carry out the procedure for installing spiral KB. The examinations carried out include examinations to detect sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy tests.
In addition, the patient needs to tell the doctor if:
- Are taking certain medications, including supplements and herbal products
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have heart problems or have had a heart attack
- Suffering from migraine
- Have a blood clotting disorder or have had a stroke
- Have just given birth or are breastfeeding
It is important to note that during the procedure the patient may experience cramping, pain and dizziness. Therefore, the patient is advised to eat a light meal and drink enough water before the procedure begins.
If the patient is afraid of pain, the patient can ask the doctor for a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and cramping during the procedure.
Spiral KB Procedure
Installation of spiral KB is usually done at certain times, such as:
- During menstruation, especially in the first 5 days
- Immediately after delivery or 4 weeks after delivery, either for vaginal delivery or by cesarean section
- Immediately after having a miscarriage
This procedure only takes about 5–15 minutes. The following are the steps for installing spiral KB:
- The patient will be asked to lie in bed with the legs raised.
- After that, the doctor will slowly insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina, to widen the vagina.
- The doctor will clean the cervix with an antiseptic solution.
- After that, the doctor will use a special tool to check the size and position of the uterus.
- Next, the doctor will insert a spiral KB with an applicator tube through the cervix. This tube will close the T-shaped spiral KB sleeve into a straight line making it easy to insert.
- If it is at the end of the uterus, the applicator tube will be released and withdrawn, so that the spiral contraceptive will be left in the uterus.
- Spiral birth control has a string that hangs down to the cervix and vagina. The doctor will cut the cord until the remaining 1-2 cm in the vagina.
After KB Spiral
After undergoing the installation of spiral family planning, patients generally can immediately carry out their usual activities. If the patient experiences dizziness, the doctor will advise the patient to rest for some time. The doctor will also advise the patient not to have sex for 24 hours.
Patients may experience cramping, pain, and vaginal bleeding for 3–6 months. To relieve this, patients can take pain relievers and apply warm compresses to the stomach.
If the spiral contraception is placed more than 7 days after menstruation begins, the patient is advised to use other contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills or condoms, for 1 week after insertion. This aims to prevent pregnancy before spiral contraception can work fully.
The doctor will ask the patient to do a control after 4 weeks of installation of spiral KB. During this control, the doctor will make sure the spiral KB remains in its original position, and check for signs and symptoms of infection.
Spiral KB Risk
KB spiral is very safe to use. However, there are some complications that can occur, namely:
- Birth control spiral out of the uterus, partially or completely
- Ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, if the pregnancy occurs while using spiral contraception
- Damage to the uterus, due to spiral contraception through the uterine wall
- Pelvic infection
Patients are advised to immediately contact or visit a doctor if they experience the following conditions:
- Spiral KB thread can not be felt in the vagina
- Bleeding other than during menstruation or menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual
- Vaginal discharge that smells bad
- Fever
- Headache or dizziness spinning as if going to faint
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Pain during sexual intercourse
