Copper IUD

[Ducy]

Okay now I was under the impression a copper IUD causes inflamation that prevents a fertilized egg from becoming attached to the lining of the utarist (sp? Sorry I'm tired)

My friend told me that the doc who implanted hers said that it blocks and confuses the sperm. This is not true right? The doctor who informed her is mistaken correct or am I confusing the IUD with something else?

[Brandye]

Whilst many brands and shapes of IUDs (or IUContraceptions) exist around the world, most are T-shaped and are in three basic forms: inert, copper coated and progestin (hormone impregnated). All are about equally effective but the copper seems to have a slight edge.

The copper IUD looks like, and functions as, the others but has the additional properties of copper being a powerful spermicide and they also cause a thickening of the mucous of the cervical os given sperm difficulty in swimming into the uterus. The secretions, not really inflammation, are not only thick but are also spermicidal and reduce the ability of a fertilized egg to implant.

Inflammation is not quite the correct word but you and the doctor are both generally correct. Confuse is not the right word either.

The hormone impregnated IUD is so done to reduce the side effects of spotting and difficult periods. The hormone does little for contraception. The oldest of all, the inert IUDs, simply float around in there and prevent the egg from implanting.

The modern copper Ts are good for about ten years; hormone treated, 5-7; and, inert will last forever. A woman should discuss the choice with the doctor and my understanding is that inert IUDs are not available in the US market. In Europe, we have many manufacturers making all three types. The IUD is the most common contraceptive in China and is available all three ways. In the US, there are two manufacturers: one making copper and one making hormone.

[Ducy]

Ok gotcha brandye. Thank you for the clarification.

Now you said the hormonal IUD does little for contraception. Why is it then that we advertise the mirena IUD here in the states as a form of BC? Is it meant to be used with the calendar method?

[Brandye]

The IUD is contraceptive; the added hormone reduces the spotting and difficult periods some women experience with the IUD in there. No calendar method. Once the IUD is inserted the woman is protected 24/7/365 at a rate slighter better than the pill. Check for the string frequently for the first few months and then after each period. Set it and forget it.

10-15% of all women do not adapt well to the IUD but that means it is a good approach for the vast majority of us.

[Ducy]

Oh ok brandye. Thanks for clearing that up

[funcouple]

Hey Brandye, I was wondering if you could help me. My wife was until recently always on the pill, but it severely diminished her sex drive. In the last month or so she’s gone off it, and things are now pretty amazing. She tried several different brands but I’m afraid they all had a very similar effect. Currently we’re using condoms as contraception, but we’d prefer not to rely solely on them. Do you think IUD’s would be an appropriate method of contraception to try? Will it affect her hormone level if we use say the copper one?
Are there any other reliable alternatives that don’t count on hormone changes?

Thanks for your help.

[Brandye]

I shall assume that you are in the States. Nearly thirty years ago there was a brand and model of IUD (Dalkon Shield) that caused much damage to American women. It appears that IUDs generally got a bad rap and the US is now the lowest user of them in the world. You have two manufacturers in the States and we have over a dozen in Europe. In other words I recommend IUDs quite regularly and Europeans are generally in favor of them.

Neither of the US available IUDs will cause hormonal changes. The copper one contains none and the hormone coated one has a very low level. The hormone coating is not for contraception; it is only to regulate irregular bleeding and difficult periods. About 85% of women tolerate the IUD quite well. The hormone coating is good for five to seven years and the copper about two years longer. A long talk with her gyn will help decide which, if either, to use. Some doctors will not insert the IUD for women who have never given birth but this restriction is now passing.

One other possibility to consider is the Nuva Ring. It does use hormones to control conception but puts the lowest level of hormones in the blood of all hormonal systems. The pill, the ring and IUDs are equivalently effective.

[CollierAlda1]

Some time good Copernicus for sex.