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IUD in
place.
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宮內避孕器（另參見：歷史記載：宮內避孕器）
宮內避孕器(簡稱IUDs)從古代起就已經為人所知曉。然而，近年來，已經研製出創新的款式。現代宮內避孕器是一種具彈性的金屬或塑膠制小物件，其底端連接著尼龍線。顧名思義，宮內避孕器由醫生放置到婦女的子宮內，達到避孕的目的。它的形狀和大小各異。當今，使用最多的宮內避孕器是一種呈T形的小裝置，有兩種類型可供選用：持續釋放少許銅離子型，其他的成品為釋放孕激素型。時至今日，我們仍未獲得宮內避孕器如何發揮作用的令人信服的解釋。也許，不知何故，它不讓精子與卵子相遇，因為在正常的條件下（未安放避孕器時——譯者注）它們能夠相遇；或者它阻止受精卵植入子宮內膜。
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也有人提出了其他的數個理論解釋。現在只是有一點可以肯定：只要被放進了子宮內，它就是一種非常有效的避孕裝置。宮內避孕器可以不間斷地佩戴數年，當然，如果已經戴上了避孕器的婦女打算懷孕，也可以隨時去醫院取出避孕器。
然而，並不是每一個婦女都適宜使用宮內避孕器，所以，醫生的預先檢查和諮詢意見是必須的。在有些病例，宮內避孕器可能導致嚴重的痛經和出血，有些從未生育過的婦女尤甚。發生這種情況，就可能迫使醫生取出避孕器了。可是，許多女性在某些初發的不適過去以後，很容易適應宮內避孕器。然而，即使沒有任何症狀，這個裝置也可以在本人不經意間脫出來。所以，重要的是要在每個月經週期檢查它是否存在；一般通過觸探留存於陰道內的尼龍尾絲而確定它是否滑脫。
避孕效果：非常有效。 |
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各型宮內避孕器。最右邊者有粗粗的幹，含緩慢釋放的激素。
Various shapes of IUDs.
The first one from the right has a hormone-releasing thicker stem.
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Contraception |
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Methods
of Contraception: Contraceptive
Methods for Women
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IUDs
Intra-uterine (contraceptive) devices, or IUDs for short, have been known since ancient times. However, in recent years new types of these devices have been developed. A modern intra-uterine device is a small piece of flexible metal or plastic with nylon threads attached to the bottom. As the name indicates, it is inserted by a doctor into a woman's uterus where it prevents pregnancy. Intra-uterine devices come in various shapes and sizes. Today, the most IUD is a small T-shaped device, available in two basic versions: Some continuously release copper, others release the hormone
progestin. |
At present, there is still no satisfactory explanation of how the IUD works. Perhaps it somehow keeps the sperm cells and the egg from meeting under the right conditions, or it prevents the fertilized egg from being implanted in the uterine wall. Several other theories have been suggested. Only one thing is certain: The IUD is very effective as a contraceptive device as long as it is in place. It can be worn for years without interruption and, of course, it can be removed at any time if the woman wants to become pregnant.
However, not every woman will tolerate an IUD well, and therefore a doctor’s prior examination and advice are essential. In certain cases, particularly if the woman has not yet had any children, the IUD may cause severe cramps and bleeding. This may force the doctor to remove it. Many women, however, adapt easily to the IUD after some initial discomfort. . However, even when there is no problem, the device may slip out without the woman's knowledge. It is important, therefore, to check its presence after each menstrual period by feeling for the nylon strings which reach a little way into the vagina.
Effectiveness: very effective. |
