Copper T
It is a small device that is placed in the uterus. The uterus is where the baby develops if you become pregnant. There is some copper in the arms of the copper IUD. The copper IUD slowly allows copper into the uterus, which helps prevent pregnancy. It does this in two ways. First, it stops the sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the tubes. Second, if sperms do reach the egg, it makes it harder for the sperm to fertilize the egg. However, if an egg does become fertilized, copper would also stop the fertilized egg from successfully implanting in the lining of the uterus. Copper IUDs (intra uterine devices) provide protection for eight to ten years, or until they are removed.
Advantages of the Copper T
- 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 tubular 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 birth control pills which have estrogen.
- It may be used by breast–feeding women.
- The Copper T may be inserted immediately following the delivery of a baby or immediately after an abortion.
Disadvantages of Copper T
- 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 transmitted infections.
- 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.
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