Thread: questions about the copper IUD ( non hormoanal one)

I was wondering about the copper IUD. Since it's suppose to be full year all round protection non stop until you get it reinserted. Would you still need to stop having sex on your fertile days of the month or count your days when NOT to have sex? Also would you still be able to use a condom for extra safty?If so that'd be great! I know having the IUD means not HAVING to wear condoms but I was just curious.Anyone use it and have a good outcome. I'd really love to rely on something thats less costly per month as if having to buy condoms spermicide.etc. Thanks

Originally Posted by 2Bpositive

First - the types of IUDs

There are two types of IUDs that are widely available in the U.S. The first is the copper IUD, or Paraguard. This is a hormone-free IUD that is good for 10 years. It is as effective as taking combined birth control pills perfectly (99.5% effective). The main side effect to consider is that the copper IUD often makes periods heavier and more painful, especially for the first few months. That effect may taper off over time, but it varies from woman to woman. The second IUD option is the Mirena IUD, which releases a very small amount of progestin (about equal to taking 1 to 2 minipills per week) directly to your uterus. The effect of the hormones is local, so generally users will not experience systemic side effects (though there are exceptions to this - again, it varies from woman to woman.) The Mirena is good for 5 years, and is as effective as sterilization (99.9% effective.) Mirena also generally lightens or stops periods. If you continue to get periods on the Mirena, it may also make your periods very irregular.

Copper IUD's and hormone-releasing intra-uterine devices are available in Europe and Canada, but the brand names Paragard and Mirena are not used outside the US. In Europe, hormone-releasing IUDs are called Intra-Uterine Systems, or IUS's.

Typically Iuds can be covered by your insurance depending on the type of coverage you may have. Some places like Planned Parenthood may have the price of iuds reduced. I'm not sure cause I did not go that route. If you don't have the resources to pay for your iud you may be looking at over 500 bucks or more depending on where you get it inserted. Protection is year round 24-7 even during your fertile days. You can use condoms but I don't see why unless you are not in a monogomous relationship. hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice. I'd have to use the copper IUD. Being that i can't have hormoanal BC. I'd only use condoms as kind of a back up. I'm terrified of it not working. I am in a monogous relationship.Been a year and 7 months