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THE IUD (intrauterine
contraceptive device)
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| What
is "the IUD"? |
| The IUD is a
small, plastic device that is
inserted by a physician / practitioner
and left inside the uterus. Although
there have been several types
of IUDs, currently only two are
available in the United States.
Both are T-shaped and have a string
at the base of the T that will
extend trough the cervix and lie
in the vaginal canal. The copper
IUD releases a small amount of
copper into the uterus and may
remain in your body for up to
10 years. The hormonal IUD releases
a small amount of the hormone
progesterone into the uterus,
but must be replaced every year. |
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| How
does the copper IUD work? |
| It primarily
prevents pregnancy by interfering
with the movement of sperm thus
preventing fertilization of the
egg. The copper IUD prevents
fertilization as well as affecting
the lining of the uterus so implantation
will not occur. |
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| How
effective is the copper IUD? |
| The IUD is extremely
effective. During the first year of
use, 8 out of 1000 women will become
pregnant with the Copper T. |
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| Am
I a good candidate for the copper IUD? |
| The copper IUD is best
suited for women with families who want
convenient, effective, reversible contraception.
It is recommended for women who have
at least one child, are in a stable,
mutually faithful relationship (to minimize
chance of exposure to sexually transmitted
diseases that might cause pelvic inflammatory
disease) and have no history or suspicion
of pelvic infection. |
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