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IUD
stands for intrauterine device. It’s very small, T-shaped, and is made
of either plastic wrapped in copper wire (the brand name is Paraguard
Copper T®) or just plastic (the brand name is Mirena®). Both
versions have two small strings 1-2 inches long that hang down from the
cervix.
They stop
the sperm and the egg from meeting. The copper in the Paraguard Copper
T® basically turns the uterus into an unfriendly environment for sperm.
The Mirena® IUD releases the hormone progestin which stops the sperm
from getting to an egg. It may stop a woman’s body from releasing
an egg (ovulation). |
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IUDs
do NOT prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male and female
condoms are the only forms of birth control that also offer protection
against STIs. |
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IUDs
have to be put in the uterus by a doctor or health care provider.
Before he/she puts it in, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam, STI
screening and pregnancy test. If he/she finds anything unusual or
concerning during the exam, it will be treated before putting in the
IUD. The Paraguard Copper T® IUD needs to be replaced every 10 years,
and the Mirena® IUD every 5 years. |
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Women may experience side effects, but in most cases, they will go away after a couple months. Paraguard Copper T®: lower abdominal pain, spotting (having bleeding that happens between a woman’s period), and possibly heavier periods. Mirena®:
changes to period flow and spotting, lower abdominal pain, acne,
headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness. |
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The
good thing about IUDs is that once it’s in a woman doesn’t have to
worry about taking a pill or changing a patch/ring! If a woman
has a STI or recent infection in her vagina or cervix an IUD may put
her at higher risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is an
infection of a woman’s reproductive system. |
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Women need a prescription to get an IUD and it has to be put in by a doctor or health care professional. |
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The
Paraguard Copper T® IUD costs between $200 and $300, but the exam,
insertion and follow-up visit may add additional costs. The
Paraguard Copper T® needs to be replaced every ten years. The
Mirena® IUD costs about $600, but the exam, insertion and follow-up
visit may add additional costs. The Mirena® needs to be replaced
every five years. If you have
health insurance, it may pay for all or part of the cost. If you
don't have health insurance or don't want to use your parents'
insurance, family planning clinics may offer the IUD at lower cost. |
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IUDs
are an extremely effective method of birth control. Of 1,000 women who
use a Paraguard Copper T® IUD over the course of a year, six to eight
women will become pregnant. Of 1,000 women who use a Mirena® IUD over
the course of a year, one woman will become pregnant.
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