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An IUD is a small device which is placed into the uterine cavity. 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. If fertilization
were to occur, the IUD would prevent the fertilized egg from successfully
implanting in the lining of the uterus. Among typical couples who initiate
use of this IUD, less than 1% will experience an accidental pregnancy in
the first year.
Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your
clinician or the package insert accompanying the Copper T 380 A.
- 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.
- The Copper T may be inserted immediately following the delivery of a baby or immediately after an abortion.
- 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.
- You can get an IUD from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife,
or health department. Not all clinicians insert IUDs. Check in advance.
- 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.
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER
unprotected sex, you can have an IUD
put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you
who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.
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physical devices
cervical cap
condoms for men
condoms for women
vaginal film(VCF)
diaphragm
copper T IUD
emergency IUD
levonorgestrel IUD
implanon implant
norplant implants
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