Risks Of Copper Iud

New IUD poses fewer risks and yields better results, but it has been slow to ...

To women of a certain age, the letters IUD spell danger. But the contraceptive device has become a method that experts not only trust but recommend over other forms.

On June 20, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists named intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants as the most reliable, reversible birth control options for most women of reproductive age, yet IUD use hovers at about only 5.5 percent of contraceptive users.

Compared with 10 years ago, however, the percentage of U.S. contraceptive users choosing IUDs has more than tripled, making it the country's fastest-growing form of birth control.

Despite increasing patient demand and the research community's growing endorsement of IUDs -- small, T-shaped plastic or metal devices that prevent pregnancy by rendering both sperm and eggs inactive in the womb -- easy access to the devices remains a challenge.

The potential malpractice liability with IUDs, for example, may be too much for some doctors and health centers to offer the devices, said a policy report from the Guttmacher Institute, an international reproductive health policy organization.

Intrauterine devices are one of the most effective forms of birth control, but no one is 100 percent certain how they actually work. As the name suggests, IUDs are inserted into the uterus -- the muscular female reproductive organ through which sperm must travel to reach and fertilize eggs, and where fertilized embryos implant for a viable pregnancy to result. In general, IUDs affect the way that sperm move, preventing them from joining with an egg. Experts also speculate that IUDs alter the lining of the uterus, hindering implantation (the medically defined point at which a woman becomes pregnant).

There are currently two FDA-approved forms of IUD: the ParaGard and the Mirena .

The ParaGard is a hormone-free type of IUD that consists of a plastic T-shaped structure wound with fine copper wire. Copper ions from the metal are slowly released into the uterus over time, which provokes an immune response in the body. Health experts say the resulting mix of ions, white blood cells and enzymes likely creates an environment that is hostile to sperm function, preventing them from being able to reach the egg.

Intra-Uterine Devices: No Pain No Gain | HealthSkep.Com , Health ...

From the name alone, intra- meaning within or inside, and uterine meaning of the uterus, we may be able to determine where this device is placed. It is a small device that is inserted through the cervix and is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It has a small string that hangs down from the device itself to the upper part of the vaginal canal.

There are two basic types of IUDs being used: the copper IUD, and the hormonal IUD. The copper IUD is effective due to the toxicity of copper to sperm. The copper coating of the device makes the uterus and the fallopian tubes release sperm-killing fluid that contains white blood cells, copper ions, enzyme s, and prostagrandins. The hormonal IUD, also called Mirena, works by releasing levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is a form of progestin. Mirena has been proven to be more effective than the copper IUD, plus it also lowers the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease. Copper IUDs can be used for at least ten years while the hormonal IUD is effective for at least five years.

Sexual health professionals advise women to undergo a check-up prior to having an IUD inserted to prevent infection of the pelvic area. If anything unusual is found, for example the presence of a sexually transmitted disease, the condition is address first before the IUD is inserted.

Because of the material used for the device, a lot of women often wonder if it has an effect during sexual intercourse. The good thing is, IUDs are barely noticeable during sex. But at the same time, because is it barely noticeable, women worry that the IUD may be pushed too far in. The best way to keep track of the IUD is to feel for the string that hangs down from the device. This is done by putting a finger inside the vagina or by using a mirror, a speculum, and a flashlight. Self-checking of the IUD is usually done after every menstrual cycle. If the string had shortened, the device may have been pushed too far in. If the string is missing, it could be possible that the IUD was expelled. If that is the case, it is best to immediately consult a physician.

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