Birth Control
Options: The Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Copper T IUD
Levonorgestrel IUD
Progestasert IUD
WHAT IS IT?
- a medicated, plastic
device that is placed into the uterus; a string attached to the IUD hangs
down into the vagina
- the ParaGard® (CuT
380A) contains copper
- the
Progestasert® releases the hormone
progesterone
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- inactivates sperm and/or egg, preventing
fertilization
- creates an inflammatory
condition in the uterus, preventing implantation of fertilized egg
HOW IS IT USED?
-
requires a simple medical procedure for insertion and removal
- the device is placed
into the uterus, where it remains until it is removed
- the woman can check
the correct placement of the device by feeling for the string
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
-
the ParaGard® (CuT 380A) is effective for up to 10 years
typical
use: 99.2%
perfect use: 99.4%
- the Progestasert® is effective for 1 year
typical use:
98%
perfect use: 98.5%
DOES IT REDUCE RISK FOR HIV/AIDS AND STDS?
-
does not reduce risk for HIV/AIDS or STDs
- may increase risk of
HIV/AIDS transmission
- using a male, latex
condom reduces the risk
- may increase risk of
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) soon after insertion
- should only be used
by a women at low risk for HIV/AIDS and STDs (only have sex with
one uninfected partner)
WHAT ARE ITS MAIN ADVANTAGES?
-
reversible method
- does not interfere with
sex
- nothing to remember
(except checking the string)
- long-acting (up to
10 years with the CuT 380A)
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE PROBLEMS?
-
up to 10% of women expel IUD during first year of use
- insertion requires
a minor medical procedure which may be somewhat uncomfortable
- must be removed by
a clinician
- possible uterine perforation
at time of insertion
- may cause menstrual
problems, heavy bleeding and cramps decreased
with
Progestasert®
- increased risk for
PID which may lead to infertility; may not be a good choice for women
who have not had children
- should not be used
by women who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS/STDs
- should not be used
by women with diabetes, HIV infection, other
impaired immune
conditions, or anemia
- IUD may not stay in
place (may fall out, move out of reach or become imbedded)
- partner may feel the
string during sex
WHAT IF I HAVE
SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?
Did you know that for
72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming
pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you
won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that
prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE
or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the
emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting,
and has the lowest failure rate.
