Hi I' new to thins forum and I found it because I want to change my contraception method.
First of all I'm 47 and I really don't know how probable it is getting pregnant in my age, but I don't want to have another child.
I was thinking about a copper coil, because I absolutely don't want any hormones.
Does anyone use this method? Are there any side effects they do not tell you on the official pages?
Who inserts the coil and who removes the coil? What are the costs? How often do I have to visit the practitioner (more than once?)?
The intra uterine device (IUD) is made of flexible plastic with fine copper wire wound firmly around it, the device is placed in a woman’s uterus. A nylon string is attached to the stem of the IUD for easy removal by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Download the Intra Uterine Device pamphlet to read about the Mirena IUD.
How Does it Work?
Because the copper IUD is toxic to sperm it prevents fertilisation of the egg. The IUD also stops any fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus.
Does It Work?
Absolutely. The IUD has a success rate of 99%.
Who Should Use an IUD?
* Women who have finished having children and want a long-term reversible form of contraception
* Women who cannot or do not wish to take The Pill
* Women who are at long term risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should NOT have an IUD fitted.
Before Insertion
* Have a Pap Smear and swabs to rule out any pelvic infections
* Ensure that you are not pregnant (so either have the IUD inserted immediately after your period or use reliable contraception until it can be fitted).
How Is an IUD Fitted
You will be placed in the same position in the Clinic as if you were about to have a Pap Smear. A speculum will be placed in your vagina and your cervix cleaned with an antiseptic. The length of the uterus is measured and the IUD is placed inside through the cervix or opening to the uterus and the strings are cut to a length of 3 or 4 cms. You will wait at the Clinic for about 15 minutes to ensure that you feel no unnecessary discomfort or pain.
It is important that you do not have intercourse or use tampons for 48 hours following insertion to prevent infection
Side Effects
* Although rare, when an IUD fails and the woman becomes pregnant, the device must be removed as soon as possible. An IUD in a pregnant woman increases the risk of miscarriage
* There is also the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tubes) when the IUD fails (again rarely)
* An increase in bleeding, painful periods and vaginal discharge
* The IUD may expel itself from the uterus usually during a period. The woman may not be aware that this has happened and should always check that the string is in place
* There is a small risk of infection in the 3 weeks following insertion
* Because pelvic infections can lead to infertility, it is important that a woman with an IUD be particularly careful about protecting herself from sexually transmitted infections
* The IUD may perforate the wall of the uterus. This is a very rare occurrence and may happen when the IUD is being inserted.
What If I Feel That Something Is Wrong?
Contact your doctor when
* The string feels like it is shorter or longer than normal as the IUD may have shifted. It is important to check the length of string after each period
* You experience persistent low back of abdominal pain, particularly when associated with a fever
* You have an unusual discharge or bleeding or there is pain with intercourse
* Either you or your partner have had another sexual experience which increases your exposure to a sexually transmitted infection
* 6 weeks after insertion and then every 12 months
For what it's worth I will have to take exception to part of the information. The IUD does not prevent fertilization, at least not guaranteed. It is not a barrier method. If an egg is released the IUD can only attempt to prevent implantation. It is true that if the IUD is able to prevent ovulation then it would obviously prevent fertilization but I believe if you research it enough you will see that the IUD cannot be relied on to prevent ovulation. Some research even indicates that the IUD's primary method of BC is implantation prevention.
For a while my wife used an IUD. My Wife's Gynecologist inserted and removed the IUD. Really the only side effect I am aware of was actually noticed by me. Some times during sex I would get poked. It was a mild sensation but was still detected and happened more than once. The only reason my wife had the IUD removed was both of our strong view point that life begins at conception. For us we did not want to risk aborting what could have been a healthy fetus so we had the IUD removed.
copper coil / contraception for oldies
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