The Inside Scoop on IUDs

What You Need to Know

By Shel Franco

The intrauterine device, or IUD, boasts an impressive following all over the world. Yet in the United States, the number of women using this method of birth control is significantly lower. Why? Because well meaning friends and family members continue to pass along inaccurate information. If you're looking for the truth about IUDs, keep reading. You just might find that an intrauterine device is a safe and effective birth control method.

The IUD has existed in some form since 1909, but early designs were fraught with structural problems and moral dilemmas. Eventually, the ease and dependability of the IUD won many followers, only to have a large portion of users scared away when one brand's faulty structure led to an outrageous increase in pelvic infections. IUDs are now made of plastic and copper. These tiny devices vary in shape and are inserted into the uterus where certain types remain for 5 to 10 years. The minute they are in place, IUDs work to prevent pregnancy. "No one really knows exactly the mechanism of action, but it probably prevents sperm from reaching the egg as well as inhibits implantation," says Dr. Susan Dantoni, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Geneva, N.Y.

The IUD is extremely effective as a method of birth control. "It is as effective as the Pill, Depo or a tubal ligation. It is ideal for the woman who is not sure regarding further child bearing but is not ready for surgical contraception; or has reasons not to have a surgical procedure, or does not like or want hormonal contraception," Dr. Dantoni says.

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