Expert: Mia - 1/21/2009

Question
I've heard so many mixed things about the Copper 7 IUD that I'm not sure if I should get it or not.  One doctor told me it would be fine, and then another told me that I was too young to get it (I'm 21, never had kids).  I really can't take hormones, I've tried 7 different kinds of hormone pills as birth control and they all make me feel bad, I guess I'm just one of those people.  Can you tell me anything about the IUD? Thanks a lot

Answer
Hi Joanna,

The IUD is a safe, effective method of birth control but like all methods carries some risks. The more serious risk are very rare though and the IUD is a good choice for women who cannot handle hormonal forms of birth control.

Some doctors do not recommend IUDs for women who are young and/or have not had children:
there is an increased risk of expulsion from the uterus
There is a risk of a bacterial infection if unsterile techniques were not used during insertion. If left untreated, this could lead to infertility. Doctors may worry about this more if the woman has not had children yet, but as long as proper techniques are used this should not be a big concern.

These risks are rare.

Here is a good site that explains the IUD:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm

I think as long a woman understand the benefits and risks, just like any other method, then she should be able to choose to use it.

I hope this helps. If you have further questions let me know.

-Mia