Article

IUD

concept
A small device that contains copper or a synthetic progestin hormone is inserted into a woman’s uterus.

success rate
Using a copper IUD, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in a year; using a progesterone IUD, two women in 100 will become pregnant.

groovy part
It provides very effective pregnancy protection and lasts a long time – a copper IUD can stay in place for up to ten years, a progesterone IUD lasts one year.

drag factor
Doesn’t protect against STDs, including HIV. With a copper IUD, spotting may occur between periods, periods may be heavier, and menstrual cramps may increase. A progesterone IUD is likely to cause spotting between periods and to reduce cramps and bleeding. If a woman using an IUD is exposed to infectious organisms, she risks having that infection spread upward to cause PID – pelvic inflammatory disease – a catch-all term for infections in the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and/or pelvis. PID, in turn, can cause infertility. The IUD isn’t recommended for women who haven’t had children yet but want to in the future. Insertion can be painful.

how to get it
From a health care provider; cost is about $150 to $300 for insertion and removal costs about $100. Many clinics also have sliding scale fees, meaning you pay based on what you can afford.


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