By Girls, For Girls - A Project by and for Teen Girls

Copper Intrauterine Device

Description: The vertical and horizontal arms of the Copper T 380 A IUD contain some copper. The IUD slowly releases copper into the uterine cavity. Copper stops sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the tubes, thus preventing fertilization.

Advantages::   The Copper T IUD is the most effective reversible
      method of birth control currently available in the
      United States.; It is effective for at least 10 years.; Only 2 out of 100 women using a Copper T for 10 years
will become pregnant.; The Copper T IUD prevents ectopic pregnancies.; It is far more readily reversible than tubal sterilization or
vasectomy.; The Copper T is very cost-effective over time.; It is convenient, safe, and private. All you have to do is
check for the strings each month.; The Copper T IUD may be used by women who cannot
use estrogen-containing birth control pills.; It may be used by breastfeeding women.
Disadvantages:: There may be cramping, pain, or spotting after insertion.;   The number of bleeding days is slightly higher than normal
      and menstrual cramping may increase. If your bleeding
      pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There
      are medications, which may give you a more acceptable
      pattern of bleeding and cramping.;   The Copper T IUD provides no protection against
      sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if you are at
      risk for infection.; The initial cost of insertion is high.; The Copper T must be inserted by a doctor, nurse
practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician's assistant.; A small percentage of women are allergic to copper.
Effectiveness::   Among typical couples that initiate use of this IUD, less
      than 1% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the
      first year.
Time Constraints::   Most clinics insert IUDs when a woman has her period or
      within 7 days after her last period began. If the risk of
      pregnancy can be excluded, it may be possible to insert
      an IUD at other times.
Location::   You can get an IUD from your doctor, nurse practitioner,
      nurse midwife, or health department. Not all clinicians
      insert IUDs. Check in advance.
Cost:: IUD insertion lasts for about 10 years so with a heavy
price of $400 it is only $40 a year.