Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are a popular form of long-acting reversible contraception that has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, there are concerns that IUDs may cause weight gain in some users. In this blog post, we will explore whether IUDs are indeed linked to weight gain and what the research says about this issue.
Understanding the Science Behind IUDs and Weight Gain
Firstly, it is important to understand that weight gain is a complex issue that can have a variety of causes. Including genetics, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine whether IUDs are directly responsible for weight gain in some users. Nonetheless, there are some studies that suggest a possible link between IUD use and weight gain.
One of the main ways that IUDs may contribute to weight gain is through hormonal changes. Hormonal IUDs contain a type of progestin called levonorgestrel, which is released slowly over time to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is a hormone that can have a variety of effects on the body, including increasing appetite and slowing down metabolism. Therefore, it is possible that some women may experience weight gain as a side effect of using a hormonal IUD.
Research on “Can IUD Cause Weight Gain”
In a study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2019. Researchers examined the effect of hormonal IUDs on weight gain in a group of 229 women. The study found that women who used a hormonal IUD for one year gained an average of 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) more than women who used a non-hormonal IUD or no IUD at all. However, it is worth noting that this difference was not statistically significant. Which means that it could have occurred by chance. Additionally, the study only looked at weight gain over one year and did not follow participants for a longer period of time.
Another study published in the journal Contraception in 2017 examined the relationship between hormonal IUD use and weight gain in a group of 250 women. The study found that women who used a hormonal IUD for one year gained an average of 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) more than women who used a non-hormonal IUD. However, like the previous study, this difference was not statistically significant. And the study did not follow participants for a longer period of time.
It Is Also Worth Noting!
That some women may experience weight loss as a side effect of using a hormonal IUD. In a study published in the journal Contraception in 2016, researchers examined the effect of hormonal IUDs on weight change in a group of 174 women. The study found that women who used a hormonal IUD for one year lost an average of 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) more than women who used a non-hormonal IUD or no IUD at all. However, like the other studies, this difference was not statistically significant. And the study did not follow participants for a longer period of time.
It is also important to consider other factors that may contribute to weight gain in women who use IUDs. For example, women who use IUDs may be more likely to be in a stable relationship and may therefore be more likely to experience lifestyle changes that lead to weight gain, such as sharing meals with a partner or having children. Additionally, some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle as a result of using an IUD, which could lead to fluctuations in weight.
In conclusion, there is some evidence to suggest that hormonal IUDs may be linked to weight gain in some women, but the evidence is not conclusive. It is important to remember that weight gain is a complex issue that can have many causes, and it is therefore difficult to determine whether
What Is The Solution?
After knowing the Relation Between IUD and weight gain, let’s know about the solution. Weight gain and a high body mass index, regardless of the cause, may lead to some health problems, so it is advised to follow some tips that will help maintain a healthy weight when using the hormonal IUD. Among these tips we mention:
- Be careful not to consume more than the recommended daily calories.
- Avoid drinks rich in calories and sugars, and replace them with large amounts of water.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid eating foods rich in saturated fats.
- Reducing the consumption of salt and sugar.
- Doing various aerobic exercises regularly, such as aerobic exercises, strength exercises, and stretching exercises.
Other Side Effects
In addition to weight gain, there are other side effects that may appear due to the use of the hormonal IUD, such as:
- The presence of bleeding between periods and heavy bleeding during the days of the menstrual cycle.
- The feeling of abdominal and back pain may last for several days after the IUD is installed.
- Changes in hair and skin, such as blisters.
- Headache, like a migraine.
- Depression.
- The appearance of cysts in the ovaries.
- An ectopic pregnancy.
- Pelvic infection.
- The hormonal IUD moves into the uterus.
- The hormonal IUD is removed from the uterus through the vagina.
Contraceptives That Do Not Cause Weight Gain
In the event that the IUD is not an appropriate method of contraception, there are many other methods of contraception that can be chosen from. You should consult your doctor about the best method. Some common methods of contraception include:
- Contraceptive pills
- Zolan plasters
- Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection)
- Nexplanon (the contraceptive implant)
- Vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
- Hormonal contraceptives have gotten a bad rap for weight gain. But any weight gain when taking birth control pills may be due to some other natural thing, such as aging or a slowing down of the metabolism.
One other form of birth control that has been linked to weight gain is the Depo-Provera injection. In the event that a woman is looking for a contraceptive solution that does not cause weight gain, she should stay away from injectable contraceptives. These methods can trigger signals to control hunger, leading to weight gain in some patients.
