IUDs are one of the most effective forms of long-term birth control. Instead of daily pills or bi-monthly shots, the IUD is good for three to ten years, depending on the type. It’s also placed by a medical professional so there is less chance of user error related drawbacks on its effectiveness. The most commonly recommended IUD is copper. This non-hormone-based IUD has less side effects than the medicated options. They can be used for both preventative and emergency contraception. Plus, these intrauterine devices have a less than 1% failure rate after one year. And, unlike medicated IUDs or pills, fertility returns almost immediately. The copper IUD is so effective and safe that it is listed as an essential medication by the World Health Organization.
The most common side effect is heavier or painful menstruation. It can also cause cramping and spotting. In rare cases it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Getting an IUD is a fairly simple and minimally invasive procedure. The device is shaped like a "t" and is very flexible. The doctor inserts the collapsed device into the uterus. Once there, the IUD pops open to the "t" shape which keeps it in the uterus. A small thread, attached to the "t", remains outside of the cervix for easy removal of the device.
Copper acts just like spermicide. When using a copper IUD the levels of copper ions and white blood cells increase in the uterus. This decreases sperm mobility and acts as a barrier to implatation.
Unlike some other forms of contraception, the copper IUD can be used by a woman of any age. As it does not rely on hormones, the IUD does not have long-term effects after removal. This makes it safe for use before or after trying to become pregnant and during menopause.
Copper IUDs run about $750. However, as a commonly used form of birth control, IUDs are covered under most major insurance providers. In fact, do to the one-time cost over monthly costs of pills, IUDs are often the most recommended form of birth control.
An IUD can be expelled. There's a 2% chance of expulsion in the first year which increases to 11% by year 12. Expulsion most often occurs from prolonged, strenuous activity or tampering with the devise. With copper IUDs there's a 1 in 3 chance that once the device is expelled there will be a re-occurrence of expulsion, if copper is used again.
There is a small risk of perforation of the uterine wall. In most cases, this is less serious than it sounds. The IUD is removed and a small procedure fixes the issue. However, in some cases major surgery can be required, if the IUD has moved farther into the body and damaged other organs. Risk of any kind of perforation is less than 1/1,000.
Most copper IUDs last between 10-12 years. However, as time passes the IUD will become slightly less effective. Depending on the amount of copper in the IUD effectivness may decrease over the years from less than 1% up to 5-6%.