The Mirena IUD or the copper IUD are contraceptives that are being chosen by more and more women, especially since they have been perfected in recent years, reducing the risk of side effects or other complications. Such is the popularity of this system that farmers have found in it a solution to improve the milk production of cows. The Argentine Ministry of Agriculture has found in the DIUB (Bovine Intrauterine Device) the solution to increase the production and quality of cows, which decreases when they are pregnant. The mechanism works almost identically to the one implanted in humans and helps cattle work better and gain weight, a common side effect that can be a problem for women, but is a boon for Argentine farmers, who will receive subsidized this system to be able to implement it.

The advantages of the IUD for women, and also for cows!

  • The inventor of the IUD for cows is Enrique Turín, a veterinarian from Santa Fe, a province known for its cattle, and who has declared that "The great benefit is contraception for cows that have already had calf and finished their reproductive cycle and are going to the work. Contraception guarantees that the female works not pregnant. This is a problem that affects cows in Argentina, but also in other countries such as Brazil, Colombia or Chile.
  • With the DIUB, farmers can prevent cows from getting pregnant, and also improve control of their reproductive cycles, with a goal similar to that of many women. However, the IUD has many more functions, such as helping to control hypermenorrhea, in the case of the Mirena IUD, or being the most effective non-hormonal contraceptive, in the case of the copper IUD.
  • For this reason, not only cows can benefit from the advantages of this contraceptive method, since the IUD has proven to be one of the most interesting and safe alternatives for birth control and regulation of menstruation.
## How IUDs work — mechanisms, types, and what that means clinically IUDs are small devices placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two broad categories: - **Hormonal IUDs (levonorgestrel-releasing):** Examples include Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess/Skyla. They release a small, local dose of progestin (levonorgestrel) into the uterine cavity. Effects include thickening of cervical mucus (blocking sperm entry), thinning of the endometrium (reducing bleeding and implantation potential), and some suppression of ovulation in some people. - **Copper IUDs (non-hormonal):** The copper T (e.g., ParaGard) produces a local inflammatory reaction toxic to sperm, impairing sperm motility and viability. There is no systemic hormone exposure. Clinical implications: - **Effectiveness:** Both types are >99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them one of the most reliable reversible methods. In practical terms, fewer than 1 pregnancy per 100 users per year. - **Duration:** Typical labeled durations are Mirena ~5 years (with many clinicians extending use in selected patients), copper T up to 10 years. Newer smaller hormonal IUDs have 3–5 year labels depending on product. - **Bleeding patterns:** Hormonal IUDs commonly cause irregular bleeding and spotting during the first 3–6 months, but over time many users experience lighter periods or amenorrhea. Copper IUDs can increase menstrual bleeding and cramps, especially in the first 3–6 months. - **Return to fertility:** Fertility returns rapidly after removal—often within one cycle for most people. Real clinical numbers (typical ranges): - Expulsion occurs in about 2–10% of users (higher in immediate postpartum insertions). - Uterine perforation is rare, approximately 1 per 1,000 insertions. - Risk of pelvic infection is mainly elevated in the first 20 days after insertion if an STI is introduced at the time; long-term PID risk is not increased with IUDs absent active infection. Example (human): Maria, age 32, had Mirena inserted for heavy cycles. After three months she still bled irregularly but by month six her flows were significantly lighter, and at one year she had no monthly bleeding — this improved her iron stores and quality of life. Example (bovine): In Santa Fe, several farms trialed DIUB placement in non-pregnant, multiparous cows destined for production. Farmers reported fewer pregnancies during the work period and steadier weight gain; the Argentine Ministry of Agriculture subsidized DIUBs to help implementation with veterinary oversight. ## Practical, step-by-step guidance for clinicians and patients Actionable guidance for safe, effective IUD use — from selection through follow-up. - Patient selection and counseling - Take a reproductive history: parity, desire for future fertility, history of STIs, pelvic infections, abnormal bleeding. - Discuss method options: **copper** if you want a hormone-free device and are willing to tolerate heavier periods; **hormonal** if you want lighter or no periods and decreased bleeding-related anemia. - Give clear expectations: insertion pain (short), possible cramping/spotting first weeks-months, when to seek help for severe pain or heavy bleeding. - Pre-insertion preparation - Offer STI screening (chlamydia/gonorrhea) if risk factors or unknown status; treat known infections before insertion. - If anxious about pain, consider ibuprofen 600 mg (or per local dosing) 30–60 minutes before the procedure and a local anesthetic or paracervical block where available. - For nulliparous people or narrow cervix, consider using a smaller IUD option (e.g., Skyla/Kyleena) or cervical dilation protocols when necessary. - Technique highlights (clinician-focused) - Confirm non-pregnancy (urine pregnancy test if last menses uncertain). - Aseptic technique, speculum exam, and careful sounding of uterine cavity length to ensure proper device placement. - Insert during the appropriate time in the menstrual cycle if possible (during menses to confirm non-pregnancy and softer cervix), but anytime the patient is not pregnant and qualifies is acceptable. - After insertion, trim strings appropriately; counsel the patient on string checks. - Immediate post-insertion - Observe the patient for 10–15 minutes for syncope or vasovagal response. - Give clear written and verbal information: what to expect (cramps, spotting), when to check strings (monthly for first 3 months), and warning signs (fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, inability to find strings). - Follow-up care - Routine check at 4–12 weeks for symptomatic patients; otherwise, earlier follow-up is optional if asymptomatic. - Evaluate expulsion suspicion (pregnancy-like pain, heavy bleeding, missing strings) promptly. - Removal or replacement scheduling per product label or patient request; removal is straightforward in the clinic. - Managing common side effects - Irregular bleeding with hormonal IUD: trial of short course NSAIDs or tranexamic acid (if no contraindications) can help heavy spotting in the initial months. Reassure patient that bleeding typically improves by 3–6 months. - Increased bleeding with copper IUD: NSAIDs for cramping; if bleeding is debilitating, consider removal and switch to a hormonal IUD. - Pain management during replacement: similar pre-medication and options as for insertion. Real example (clinical practice): Dr. López described a patient, Ana (28), who was anxious about insertion pain. Pre-medication with 800 mg ibuprofen and a short local anesthetic during insertion resulted in a calm, brief procedure; Ana reported tolerable cramping and left the clinic reassured. Practical advice for non-clinicians (patients) - If you suspect pregnancy with IUD in place (positive pregnancy test, abnormal bleeding), seek immediate care. Risk of ectopic pregnancy exists but overall risk is low: if pregnancy occurs with IUD, half are intrauterine; half of pregnancies with IUD are ectopic—clinical evaluation is essential. - If you plan to get pregnant within months, an IUD remains an excellent short-term option because fertility returns quickly after removal. - If you have recurrent pelvic infections, evaluate and treat before considering an IUD. ## Bovine DIUB: veterinary implementation, impact, and ethical/regulatory considerations The use of intrauterine devices in livestock is not new, but Argentina's organized DIUB program is noteworthy because it adapts human-style devices and concepts to bovine reproduction management. - How it is used in cattle - DIUBs are typically placed by veterinarians in cows that have completed their reproductive cycle and are not intended to breed immediately. The aim is to avoid pregnancy during periods when pregnancy would negatively affect production. - The device creates a local uterine environment that reduces fertility much like human IUDs — preventing implantation and altering uterine milieu. - Reported benefits and practical outcomes - Farmers report improved milk production when cows remain non-pregnant during periods of intensive production. Pregnancy reduces lactation and alters behavior and appetite. - Weight management: in livestock, maintaining productive weight is desirable; decreased pregnancy-associated metabolic demands can lead to modest weight gain. - Veterinary best practices (actionable) - Only trained veterinarians should place DIUBs. Sterile technique and proper restraint are essential to avoid uterine perforation or infection. - Follow-up: veterinary checks at scheduled intervals to confirm device position and absence of infection; remove device according to production cycle planning. - Record-keeping: track placement dates, herd IDs, and production metrics (milk yield, body condition) to evaluate efficacy. - Regulatory and ethical considerations - Government subsidies or programs (such as those reported in Argentina) often come with guidelines and veterinary oversight. Farmers should adhere to local regulations and animal welfare standards. - Consider consumer and market expectations for animal products — some markets may have preferences for animals not subjected to certain reproductive interventions. Transparency is important. Real example (farm-level): One cooperative in Santa Fe reported a pilot of 120 cows with DIUBs placed under vet supervision. Over a 6-month work period, the cooperative documented stable lactation curves and fewer unplanned calvings during the intensive production phase. Farmers used that data to support scaling under a subsidized program. Important caution: DIUBs are a veterinary intervention and should not be equated with human IUD programs. Veterinary use requires specific devices, surgical skills for large animals, and adherence to agricultural regulations. Human IUDs should never be used in animals and vice versa. ## Choosing between copper and hormonal IUDs — clinical decision-making and examples Decision factors: - Desire to avoid hormones: choose copper IUD. - Heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia: hormonal IUD (Mirena) is often therapeutic and can reduce bleeding by 70–90% in many users. - Need for emergency contraception capacity: copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception if placed within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. - Bleeding tolerance: if heavy, avoid copper IUD; if amenorrhea is acceptable or desired, hormonal IUD is preferred. Case examples: - Laura (25, nulliparous) wants long-acting minimal-maintenance contraception and no hormones due to migraine with aura (contraindicated for estrogen but not progestin). After counseling, she chose a levonorgestrel IUD and was counseled about initial spotting and follow-up. - Camila (35) had heavy periods and iron-deficiency anemia. A Mirena was placed and within 3 months her menstrual bleeding decreased substantially and her hemoglobin stabilized without need for surgical intervention. - Jorge (farmer) used DIUBs in cattle to avoid pregnancies during peak production months; he coordinated with a veterinarian to track outcomes and adjust herd management. ## Safety, complications, and when to seek care Complications are uncommon but important to recognize: - Missing strings or inability to feel strings: could indicate expulsion or string retraction. If you cannot feel strings and have pain or bleeding, see your clinician. If asymptomatic, evaluate with speculum exam and ultrasound. - Suspected perforation: severe pain at insertion or persistent severe pain afterwards — seek urgent care. - Infection signs: fever, unusual foul-smelling discharge, severe abdominal pain — evaluate for PID and treat promptly. - Pregnancy with IUD in place: requires prompt evaluation. If the IUD is in the uterus, most clinicians recommend removal if the pregnancy is intrauterine and strings are accessible, because retaining the IUD increases miscarriage and infection risk. Approximate rates to keep in mind: - Perforation: roughly 0.1% (1 per 1,000), more likely in postpartum lactating people. - Expulsion: 2–10%, higher in younger and nulliparous individuals and in immediate postpartum insertions. Practical advice for patients: - Do a string check monthly for the first three months, then periodically. - If you have sudden onset severe lower abdominal pain, fainting, fever, or heavy bleeding, seek care immediately. - Keep a copy of insertion details (type, lot number, date) and carry it when traveling. ## FAQ ## FAQ ### Can an IUD cause infertility after removal? No. IUDs do not cause long-term infertility. Fertility typically returns quickly after removal — many people conceive within a few months. The only way an IUD could affect future fertility is if an untreated pelvic infection (e.g., chlamydia causing scarring) occurs at the time of insertion; this is why screening and careful insertion practices are important. In routine practice, IUDs are a fertility-preserving option compared with permanent methods like tubal ligation. ### Does a hormonal IUD cause weight gain? Weight changes are a frequent concern. The best evidence shows no consistent, clinically significant weight gain directly caused by levonorgestrel IUDs for most users. Weight is multifactorial — diet, activity, age, and other medications contribute. Some women report small weight changes after IUD insertion; however, randomized studies have not shown a definitive causal relationship. If weight gain is a major concern, discuss monitoring and lifestyle strategies with your clinician; a copper IUD is an alternative if you prefer to avoid hormonal exposure. ### Is it safe to have an IUD if I’ve never had children? Yes. IUDs are a safe and effective option for people who have never given birth. While originally recommended mainly for parous individuals, modern guidelines support IUD use in nulliparous people. Choose a smaller IUD if cervical size or uterine cavity considerations make insertion more difficult; your clinician will advise the best option. ### Can I get an IUD while breastfeeding or immediately postpartum? Yes, but with caveats. Many clinicians place IUDs postpartum: either immediately after placental delivery (post-placental insertion) or at 6 weeks postpartum. Immediate postpartum insertion is convenient but carries a higher expulsion risk. For breastfeeding people, levonorgestrel IUDs are considered safe and do not significantly affect milk supply. If you want immediate contraception and want to minimize expulsion risk, discuss timing with your provider so the device can be placed optimally. ### Are IUDs reversible and how quickly does fertility return after removal? IUDs are fully reversible. After removal, most people regain fertility rapidly—often within one menstrual cycle. If your IUD was placed for heavy bleeding or other non-contraceptive reasons and you plan pregnancy, simply schedule removal when you are ready; your clinician will discuss timing and any necessary preconception care (e.g., folic acid). ## Final practical tips and resources - For patients: Bring someone to drive you home if you think you might be sensitive to pain or anxious about the procedure. Have an over-the-counter pain plan (ibuprofen) for the first 24–48 hours. Keep a copy of your IUD information card and appointment for a check if recommended. If you change clinics, provide documentation about your device type and insertion date. - For clinicians: Document counseling, informed consent, lot numbers, and insertion details. Offer STI screening based on risk. Use ultrasound if strings are missing and pregnancy is unlikely but symptoms persist. - For farmers/veterinary teams: Follow veterinary guidelines, use trained personnel for DIUB placement, maintain sterile technique, and keep meticulous herd records. Ensure compliance with national agricultural and animal welfare regulations. Related content and tools: - For deeper reading, see our [related topic](/blog) covering long-acting reversible contraception and menstrual management. - If you are a clinician or farmer looking for approved accessories and supplies (IUD inserters, veterinary DIUB kits), check our [shop](/shop) for vetted products and information. Category: Health Issues Topic: The IUD, an effective contraceptive method even for cows