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Sexual Health Centre
Birth Control |
Copper IUD
(inter-uterine device)
The information on
this page describes the conventional copper IUD. A new form of IUD, called
Mirena, has recently
become available in Canada. It is inserted into the uterus like other
IUDs, but it also contains a hormone to increase its effect.
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IUDs fit inside
the uterus to prevent pregnancy. (Art by Kathryn Maney)
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IUDs are small devices that fit
inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs available in Canada are made
of copper and plastic and shaped like a T. There are several theories of
how they work, but we believe that they prevent sperm from fertilizing
an
egg. To a lesser degree, they may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching
to the wall of the uterus. If there are no complications, an IUD can be
left in place from two to five years. They are 96 to 98 percent effective
against pregnancy but they do not protect you and your partner against sexually
transmitted infections. Women with the following conditions should
not use a copper IUD:
- currently pregnant
- allergic to copper
- large fibroids
or uterine cancer
- weakened immune systems
- heavy periods or severe
cramps (this does not apply to Mirena)
- unusual undiagnosed bleeding
from the vagina
- have had recent or chronic
pelvic infections
- current vaginal or cervical
infection
- women who are at increased
risk of sexual transmitted infections
How an IUD
is inserted
An IUD must be inserted in a doctor's
office or clinic. It is often inserted during your period or shortly after
having an abortion or giving birth to ensure that you are not pregnant.
An IUD may also be used as emergency contraception
by inserting it five to seven days after unprotected intercourse.
The insertion takes about
five minutes. It is inserted into the uterus so that thin strings attached
to the base of the T hang down through the cervical opening. These strings
are trimmed so they are just long enough for you to check that the IUD
is in place and so that a health care provider can use them to remove
the IUD at a later date. Most women have some cramps when the IUD is being
inserted.
You may want to use another
method of birth control as back-up for a month in case the IUD moves or
comes out. After six weeks, return to your doctor or clinic for a check-up
then continue to have your regular
check-ups. You should check for the IUD strings each month after your
period is over.
Call your doctor or clinic
if you:
- can not feel the strings
- feel the tip of the IUD
protruding when you do your monthly check
- miss a period or think you
may be pregnant
- have unusual cramping, pain
or bleeding
- have a vaginal discharge
that seems different or has a different odour
- your IUD comes out
The IUD can be easily removed
if any of these problems occur or if you wish to get pregnant.
Advantages
- very effective
- inexpensive (copper)
- can be rapidly reversed
if you wish to get pregnant
- neither partner can feel
an IUD during sex
- the woman controls this
method of birth control
- can remain in place for
many years
- does not cause any hormonal
changes in your body
Disadvantages
- your periods may be longer
or heavier (copper)
- you may have increased cramping
(copper)
- does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections
- if this method fails and
pregnancy occurs, it is more likely to be an ectopic
pregnancy
- increased risk of pelvic
infection mainly associated with insertion
- rarely an IUD may puncture
the wall of the uterus
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