Getting An Iud Is Not As Scary As Everyone Says It Is
I got a Paragard in November 2015. I chose it because itâs non-hormonal, lasts up to 10 years, and I donât have to remember to take it. During and after insertion I had mild cramping and I spotted a little bit. So far the IUD has worked great and I have had no issues. I still have it. Getting an IUD is not as scary as everyone says it is. If you are worried about pain during insertion I recommend taking some Ibuprofen 30 minutes before.âCrystal, female, 28 North Carolina, USA
Contraceptive Failure With The Copper T
Several studies have demonstrated that younger women are more likely to experience contraceptive failure with a copper IUD than older women.29 However, it should be noted that the copper IUD is still more efficacious than other contraceptive methods in this age group. In particular to the Copper T-380A, a nested case-control study of women using various forms of a copper IUD showed that young age was a significant risk factor for experiencing a contraceptive failure.30 Because various copper IUDs were used, statistical adjustment was made for copper surface area . Compared with women younger than 25 years of age, women older than 35 years were significantly less likely to experience a failure . The odds of experiencing a contraceptive failure with the Copper T-380A at 40 years or more compared with women younger than 25 years was even lower . In several studies, parity, uterine position, and uterine size were not associated with an increased risk of contraceptive failure.31,32 However, suboptimal placement of the IUD within the cervix increased the likelihood of contraceptive failure.14,33 If an IUD is placed in the cervix, the likelihood of contraceptive failure was significantly increased .
Do Antibiotics Make An Iud Less Effective
According to the NHS, most antibiotics do not affect contraception.
To date, the only types of antibiotic proven to impact hormonal contraception and may potentially make it less effective are rifampicin-like antibiotics which include rifampicin and rifabutin.
These drugs can be used to treat diseases, including tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. Medications interfering with birth control is more commonly seen with some types of hormonal contraception, including the pill, the vaginal ring, or the patch.
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What Is The Failure Rate Of Copper Iud
Copper IUDs are one of the most effective birth control methods available to women. With a failure rate of 0.1%, a copper IUD effectively prevents pregnancy 99.9% of the time .
Although a copper IUD cannot directly prevent an ectopic pregnancy, which happens when an embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, it significantly decreases the chance of this happening compared to women using no contraception whatsoever.
The only significant threat to the overall effectiveness of copper IUDs is possible expulsion from the body.
Several risk factors may place you at an increased risk for IUD expulsion, including :
- Getting an IUD inserted within four weeks of giving birth .
- Being under the age of 20 when the IUD is inserted.
- Having heavy or prolonged periods.
- Experiencing severe abdominal or pelvic pain during menstruation, as the muscle contractions during cramps can push the IUD out of your body.
What Is The Non
The non-hormonal copper IUD is a small plastic device with copper wire coiled around the frame. It is inserted into the uterus where it constantly releases a small amount of copper. There are several different non-hormonal IUDs available in Australia.
The copper IUD can also be used for emergency contraception instead of the emergency contraceptive pill . Once inserted, it can be left in for 5 10 years and used as an ongoing method of contraception.
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If Youre Under 16 Years Old
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If youâre under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will not tell your parents or carer as long as they believe you fully understand the information youâre given and the decisions youâre making.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. Theyâll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe youâre at risk of harm, such as abuse.
In these circumstances, the risk would need to be serious, and theyâd usually discuss it with you first.
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What Is The Copper Iud
A copper intrauterine device is a long-term, non-hormonal birth control method. It consists of a copper wire coiled around a plastic, T-shaped frame. This small T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus and effectively prevents pregnancy for up to ten years.
Copper IUDs are used by more than 150 million women globally and are among the most effective contraception forms available .
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Nonhormonal Or Copper Iuds
Copper IUDs do not use hormones. Instead, the copper damages sperm to prevent it from getting to the egg. It also creates an immune response that stops the development of healthy eggs and destroys any eggs that do develop.
In the United States, the brand name of the copper IUD is ParaGard.
ParaGard IUDs begin working immediately, so doctors may choose them when emergency contraception is necessary. The copper IUD can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years and possibly longer.
As with any birth control, the IUD offers benefits but also carries risks. People may wish to talk to a doctor about their medical history and any plans regarding future pregnancy before deciding which IUD is right for them.
The pros and cons of different types of IUD include:
What Are The Kinds Of Non
Theres only one brand of copper IUD in the U.S. Its called the Paragard IUD. It lasts for up to 12 years.
You dont have to keep your IUD for 12 years though you can get your IUD taken out whenever you want. If your IUD is going to expire but you want to keep using an IUD, your nurse or doctor can replace it.
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What Do People With The Copper Iud Say About It
Hearing all the medical jargon about the copper IUD is one thing, but what about the real-world benefits and disadvantages? Patients who are properly counseled and still choose Paragard are generally happy, Dr. Butler says. Managing expectations is the key, so discussing heavier or longer cycles before using a copper IUD is important, she adds.
Dr. Culwell says some people are thrilled with the copper IUD and report benefits like not having to keep track of daily birth control pills or monthly patches or rings, or not having to go to the doctor every three months to get the shot. They also tend to appreciate not having to worry about potential hormonal side effects and having their own natural menstrual cycles.
When Should It Be Taken Out
You can have your IUD taken out anytime just make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Your IUD will protect against pregnancy for as long as you have it in, so long as you dont keep it in beyond its expiration date.
The expiration date varies by brand:
- ParaGard is effective for up to 10 years, though some experts suggest that it can be used for up to 12 years
- Skyla is effective for up to 3 years
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The Copper Iud Is Hormone
Since the copper IUD doesnt contain hormones, you can use it in situations where other kinds of birth control may not be a fit. For instance, it might be a good choice for breastfeeding people, Taraneh Shirazian, M.D., assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, tells SELF. This is because theres a slight chance that estrogen, which is in forms of combined hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, and ring, may impact your milk supply, according to the ACOG.
Due to its lack of estrogen, the copper IUD may also offer an advantage for some people who have health conditions that can get worse when exposed to this hormone, such as people with a history of blood clots, or high blood pressure , Dr. Shirazian says.
If youre not able to tolerate hormones for some reason, definitely mention that to your doctor when trying to find which type of IUD is right for you.
How Will Your Periods Change On The Hormonal Iud
A hormonal IUD makes use of a hormone called progestin, which is the synthetic form of progesterone, and releases it into your body.
It prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to get through the uterus and reach the egg.
Some people use a hormone releasing IUD to ease menstrual symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding and long lasting periods. In fact, some doctors or nuses sometimes recommend this IUD for this purpose.
The most popular hormonal birth control products on the market are Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. They remain effective for up to 3-5 years, depending on the brand.
After 3 months following IUD insertion, you will probably begin to have lighter and shorter periods. For some women, periods may even go away completely.
However, aside from its impact on periods, hormonal IUDs are also associated with other potential side effects. These include:
The changes in your periods while on the hormonal intrauterine device might make you wonder if youre pregnant. Even if this is a rare circumstance for IUDs, which are known to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, it can still possibly happen.
And if it does, it will more likely be an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside a womans uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy can potentially be dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.
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I Went Back To Work The Same Day
I had a Mona Lisa copper IUD inserted in 2015, because I wanted a form of birth control where I would still have periods. It was ok. The insertion was relatively uncomfortable . I was not offered any extra medication such as a cervix softener. I went back to work the same day.âAnonymous, female, 26, Canada
Can You Get A New Iud Immediately After Removal
You can! IUD replacement is done in the same appointment as removal. The removal of the old one and insertion of the new one typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Just like with the initial insertion appointment, you can ask your clinician to prescribe medication in advance to help with discomfort and anxiety.
IUD removal and replacement isnt at least anecdotally considered as painful as when you first get an IUD.
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How Is The Copper Iud Removed
Once the copper IUD has been in place for about ten years, or you decide to try and get pregnant, your healthcare provider can remove your copper IUD in a simple, pain-free process.
If the IUD has become attached to your uterine wall, your doctor may perform a slightly more complicated procedure to remove it, called a hysteroscopy.
During a hysteroscopy, small tools are inserted into your uterus to facilitate the removal of the IUD. Sometimes anesthesia may be recommended, and the process can take anything from a few minutes to an hour to complete.
How To Prepare For Paragard Insertion
Once you and your doctor agree a Paragard IUD is the right birth control choice for you, an appointment will be scheduled for insertion.
The entire process usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
Although there are no specific requirements before getting an IUD inserted, some of the following steps may help make the process easier and more comfortable:
- Bring a mild painkiller like ibuprofen with you to take after the IUD is inserted.
- You can also take ibuprofen or acetaminophen an hour before your appointment to help ease some of the discomfort.
- Eat something small before your appointment to prevent dizziness.
- Stay hydrated before and after your appointment. This step is essential as your doctor will ask for a urine sample to ensure you are not pregnant before insertion.
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How To Get Copper Iuds In Canada
ParaGard requires a prescription from a doctor. The doctor will ask you about medicine and disease history to understand if copper IUD is a good option.
Once you get the prescription, you can get an appointment with the medical professional to insert the IUD.
During insertion, the doctor will explain all the steps and precautions to be followed. This is the best time to clear all doubts if you have any.
The Copper Iud Doesnt Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections
When it comes to birth control, only internal and external condoms can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. If youre using the copper IUD and are at risk for STIs , youll still need to use some form of protection like condoms or dental dams. You should also get tested regularly. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations for your STI screening schedule, depending on your circumstances.
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Myth: Health Risks And Side Effects
Some women do not want to use the IUD because they incorrectly believe that IUD causes side effects or health risks such as cancer, sexually transmitted infections, or birth defects.
Fact: IUDs are safe!
Infection related to IUD insertion probably occurs because the instruments or IUD carry with them organisms from the lower genital tract. If the organisms are bacteria normally present in the genital tract, then it seems that some mechanism automatically eliminates this contamination from the uterus soon after the insertion process without infection occurring. Risk of infection can be further reduced by following routine infection-prevention procedures including the no-touch insertion technique .
The IUD never travels to the heart, brain, or any other part of the body outside the abdomen. The IUD normally stays within the uterus like a seed within a shell. Rarely, the IUD may come through the wall of the uterus into the abdominal cavity. This is most often due to a mistake during insertion. Proper insertion technique can help prevent many problems, such as infection, expulsion, and perforation. If uterine perforation is suspected within 6 weeks after insertion or if it is suspected later and is causing symptoms, refer the client for evaluation to a clinician experienced at removing such IUDs. Usually, however, the out-of-place IUD causes no problems and should be left where it is. The woman will need another contraceptive method.
How Much Does The Copper Iud Cost
As we mentioned, the cost of a copper IUD vs. a hormonal IUD is very similar. The out-of-pocket copper IUD costs can be up to $1,300, which includes the fees for the device itself and any costs associated with insertion, like your office visit, according to Planned Parenthood. But they can also be $0what you will pay depends on several factors, such as your insurance benefits, medical provider, and if you have access to a low-cost clinic.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most people should have access to free contraception. In fact, when it went into effect in 2012, millions of people who had been denied coverage or access to birth control suddenly had it as an optiona game-changer for reproductive rights, per Planned Parenthood.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to cover birth control methods, potentially leaving you with only the costs of the procedure to have the IUD inserted and removed. But, as some people later find out, this is not always the case if you work for a religious employer or non-profit religious organization, according to HealthCare.gov. Therefore, its worth contacting your health insurance plan before making an appointment with your doctor.
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Myth: Who Can Use The Method
Many women do not want to use the IUD because they incorrectly believe that the IUD should not be used by women who are young or who have not had children.
Fact: IUDs are safe for a wide range of women
There is no minimum or maximum age requirement for using the IUD. An IUD should be removed after menopause has occurred at least 12 months after her last monthly bleeding. There is also no requirement that a woman must have children to use the IUD. A history of pelvic infection or multiple sex partners make the choice of an IUD inappropriate for such women.
The myth that young women and women without children cannot use IUDs stems from fears about a higher risk of expulsion in these women and fears about a higher risk of infection in these women.
Expulsion is more likely in certain circumstances, such as young age at insertion . Some studies also have found a higher rate of expulsion among women who have no children. The additional risk of expulsion, however, is not sufficient to deny IUDs to women in these circumstances, because the advantages of the IUD outweigh the risks of expulsion.
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How Much Does It Cost To Get A Copper Iud
The cost of getting a copper IUD inserted can vary depending on your health insurance. Some insurance companies cover the entire costs of copper IUDs, and others provide only partial coverage. If youre not sure whether youre covered, you can contact your insurance company, or your doctor may be able to do this for you.
Thats everything you need to know about copper IUDs. If you still have questions about different birth control options or copper IUDs in particular, your doctor can give you advice for your specific situation.
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