Birth Control and Copper IUD

I have a blood clotting disorder that makes the copper IUD the only option (besides a condom) that I have for birth control. I have had two now, and have not had any trouble with either. It was a little more painful to have the second inserted, so I can verify the comment about it being less painful after having a baby. For the first month or so I experienced some cramping after sex, but now I don't even notice it's there. It's nice to have such a low maintenance form of birth control, and since I probably won't be having any more children (same clotting disorder), it's nice that it lasts ten years before I need another one.

If you're talking about the copper T, then they don't exactly know why it works. I use it, however, and have for five years. I love it. It can create harsher cramps and a somewhat longer period. Neither of which bother me, because mine was mild to begin with. But I know others who don't like those side effects.

I have the copper IUD and so far I enjoy having birth control without the hormones. My best friend has also had one for 7 years and swears by it. To find more information about it go to webmd.com. That is where I read up on it before making my decision.

Dear S., I don't claim to be an expert on bith control, but from what I know about an IUD there is another thing you may want to consider. An IUD prevents a fertilized egg from embedding in the uterus where the growing baby receives
nourishment. If the fertilized egg which is already growing at a rapid rate can't do this, then the baby dies. Just thought you should know, and I didn't know if your doctor informed you. A baby is a baby from the moment of conception!
Congratulations on your new little boy!

Kudos to you for not wanting to mess up your hormones! Our bodies work the way they do for a reason, and there is a balance of hormones for a purpose! Not that some people don't need help keeping that balance, but I think we are way too eager to try to control or change things that are working the way they are supposed to.
We use Creighton Model Natural Family planning, it's completely natural, really cheap (after the instructional sessions it is only a few dollars a year for the materials), and very reliable! (Even more reliable than artificial birth controls, if you have a little self control on your fertile days:) And so easy to do! It's been a little hard to figure out my cycle again since I'm breastfeeding, but now that I have started my period again it should be better.

It sounds barbaric! There are always side effects and consequences to all "birth controls". Why not just accept the fact that when you make love with your husband that there is the extension of that love in the possibility of a new life.
I have heard regrets of not having enough children in one's life, but have never heard anyone say they wish they hadn't had so many.

I've had the copper iud for 3 weeks now. When I talked to my doctor about birth control options- I was interested in Mirena but he suggested against it while I'm breastfeeding. He said it releases as much hormone as the Depo Provera shot. I understand that the copper iud works one of three ways- makes the uterus uninhabitable for an egg, stops the release of an egg, or blocks the sperm from reaching the egg. I like mine overall, except I get cramps the day after sex, but I'm hoping that will improve. The doc also said it's less painful to get an iud while your uterus is still soft after a baby. I have several friends that have it as well and all but one love it. Pretty much your only option if you don't want the hormones.

I'm not trying to sound like a prude or old fashioned or anything. Right now I'm not in a relationship and don't need birth control, but if I did I first look into NFP--Natural family planning if you aren't familiar with the acronym. I would do it first because of my religious prefrences, but also because like you I don't like the idea of messing up my body with hormones, devices, etc. Maybe you could just look into if objectively on the internet. It's the only side effect-free form of birth control.

I don't have the copper IUD, but I have Mirena. It acts locally and does not affect your hormones; this is why I got it. I have had it for a month. I really like it. Here's info on how it works: http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp

just like any type of IUD (intra uterine device) they implant the device in the uterus (hence the name intra uterine) and it prevents the embryo from implanting into the uterus. the embryo needs to implant into the uterus to survive b/c the uterus supplies the embryo with a blood supply (nutrients and oxegyn, and such). with out the blood supply the embryo degenerates (dies) with in 24-72 hours. hope that helps. i beleive that some copper is released into the blood stream but it is in trace (very small) amounts. if you don't want anything with hormones your only options are an IUD,condoms, and diaphragm (a woman condom that plugs the cervix preventing the sperm to travel through the uterus and hence to the oocyte). i would suggest the IUD b/c with the diaphragm and condom they have to be inserted prior to each act of intercourse-kind of a nucence. good luck!

Hi S.! I use the copper IUD because I'm a breast cancer survivor and am not allowed to use any hormones ever again. To be honest, if I had known about the IUD ten years ago, it's what I would have used instead of the pill, which I now believe contributed to my breast cancer. Plus, statistically, it is more effective than the pill. It does only act as a spermicide so you still ovulate every month. In the first few months you may have some more severe PMS and heavier bleeding but it should get better. And you are supposed to check once a month for the strings, to make sure it's still in place. I know life with kids can be crazy and this has taken away that constant stress of birth control, whether it be taking a daily pill, changing a weekly patch or changing a monthly ring. You don't even have to think about it! I love it! Plus, it's safe.

I got this info from a BROWN UNIVERSITY site
Hope it helps.
How does it work to prevent pregnancy?
IUDs work by preventing an egg from being fertilized, although scientists are not exactly sure how this happens. Theories about this process include:

It affects the way the sperm or egg moves

Substances released by the IUD immobilize sperm

It moves the egg through the fallopian tube too fast to be fertilized.
The copper in the ParaGard adds to the effectiveness of the IUD in other ways. It affects the lining of the uterus by not allowing an egg to implant and it stimulates the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that affect the hormones needed to support a pregnancy. The ParaGard can be a long-term method that may be left in for 8 years.

The Progestasert IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestin, which thickens the cervical mucus. This acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The Progestasert also affects the lining of the uterus to prevent an egg from being implanted. Because of the hormonal component of the Progestasert, it must be replaced yearly.

I just got the copper IUD and experienced some HEAVY cramping the first day and moderate cramping the two after that. I also had just finished up with my period, but after this was inserted I spotted for appoximately five days after. I must say the cramping was kinda intense upon insertion and eased within a minute or so. I did speak to my family doctor about how these work, he is not the one who put mine in, it was my GYN. He also believes that life begins at the moment of conception and told me that the sperm still reaches the egg and acts like a normal egg, however, when it goes to implant the copper IUD blocks it. This was my understanding as it was explained to me. However, I did choose to have it as I do have many medical problems and needed to be off the pill.

I have never had an IUD but i have had many friends that have. I dont believe that the copper IUD releases hormones, it is a small contraption that blocks the fallopian tubes from releasing an egg. there is also IUD's that Do release horomones and then the new tiny plastic Mirena. Lots of ladies are using this, as its easier to install by your dr.
just check all your options..... thoe you may find one person haveing trouble with her IUD, there are many that wouldnt have it any other way.
Look up IUD on a google search, you will see pics and articiles that will explain it in detail. happy BC searching

Hi S.,
Not sure why you don't want to affect your horomones but if it's because you're breast feeing. My doctor put me on a progesterone only birth control pill it doesn't effect your milk supply at all. I was on it until just barely because she's over a year and isn't nursing anymore. It's only effective at preventing pregnancy if taken along with breastfeeding (which provides some protection as well). Good luck!

Hi S.!
I have an IUD that has NO hormones, and I love it! My last little one will be six this month, and that is how long I have had it in. (should last up to 10, but you need to have it checked around 5 years or so)
To be honest, I can't remember what it is called. But I have had NO problems what-so-ever. When you first get it inserted, it is like a pelvic exsm, (discomfort for a few seconds) and you have a bit heavier bleeding for the first few months, but then you even out. There is a string that hangs down, but you shouldn't notice it. If you do, tell your physician and he or she will tell you how to move it a bit. (I just pushed mine up further) I didn't want any extra hormones either, (it can really dampen your sex life and mood) so my doctor told me about this one. And yes, I believe it does release a bit of copper, but that is what it is made of. You don't necessary get it into your blood system. It is more of a barrier. And you do need to read the risks, but more often than not, I have heard nothing but good results..and I LOVE it. It has worked well for us. And if you plan on not having kids for a few years, it is great. I will probably get mine taken out in the next year, (we are done with kiddos) and then it is hubby's turn to get "fixed"...ha.
Make sure you go over everything with your doctor. They can even show it to you. (kind of funny looking)
And if it doesn't work for you, You can always get it removed.

Good luck!! Lisa

LOVE the IUD. I had the copper one before i had my fist baby for about 2-3 years. I had the mirena IUD put in after having my little girl. I had regular periods with the copper IUD i mean regular exactly on the 28th day i would start. I expereienced more cramps with the copper IUD, but i really never had cramping problems, they eased up after about 6 months. Periods usually lasted 5 days. The Mirena has been a little less consistent but i still love it, not much cramping. My sister has had the mirena for about 3 years now and has not a period at all, she got it because it is supposed to help her endometriosis. Good Luck with your decision.

OMG! If you can, talk to your doctor about Mirena. Its 5 years! I got mine after my daughter was born. She just turned 5. Its amazing. I know you said you didn't want to take anything with hormones, but I've had mine for 5 years and I haven't had a single issue! I have my period once every three months or so and its super light. You can't feel it. I absolutely love it! I'm getting it replaced in a week. Same one! Its definately worth looking into.

I have had an IUD after my last two children were born and it was nice to finally have a bith control that was not all horomones. My body did not do well on pills and I wasn't sure if I wanted any more kids after fighting to have the ones I had. Once my husband and I decided to go for one more we were pregnant with in one month!
I haven't had many side effects from having it inserted. That is the worse part because your body had to get adjusted to having this foreign object in you. Since then I have had heavier periods for 6 months then back to normal and some months where I have bad back aches during the week before.
My sister got the one with the horomones in it and does like it as well. She had Depo shots before her son and had a hard time getting use to having periods again. She does like that they are light and sometimes none at all.
It works by blocking the eggs from entering the uterus. They get trapped by the copper and keeps the sperm from attaching to the uterus. If you do get pregnant it is usually in one of your tubes, which is not as frequent as with the pill.

Good luck on your decision. I know it was one of the best decisions that I made for me and my body.

Hi S.,
Most people LOVE the IUD. I had one for 3 years (copper) and the birth control aspect was great. It was convenient. Nobody knows why an IUD prevents conception, but the overall guess is that it irritates the uterine lining. It has nothing to do with the copper itself.
My personal complaint about it is that my periods were quite different while I had it in. They became brown-red instead of bright red, as if it was all old blood. Also, instead of 4 or 5 days, I bled much more lightly for 9 or 10 days! This bothered me, as I felt like I was doing something unnatural to my body.
I have a couple of friends who would never do anything else though. They love the convenience of the IUD. I just felt conscious that I had something foreign inside me...
Good luck,
Z.

I have had five children and after the last one had a copper iud placed. I would not recommend it. I had terrilbe long lasting periods that were awful. After suffering for 6 months I finally went to see my Doctor who discovered I was severely enemic because of the IUD (to the point of needing a blood transfusion). Only then was I told that this is a common side affect of the copper coil IUD's and, needless to say had it removed. I then had the MIRENA IUD and have LOVED it, and would recommend it to anyone. I'm not sure about the nursing with it though, you'll have to check with your provider. (unfortunately my baby weaned herself while I was so enemic.) Hope this helps.

Hi S.,

I used an IUD after I had my first daughter. I have to tell you I absolutely loved it! It was so nice never having to think about taking birth control. The best part is that there is no hormones. There are two different IUD's. One has hormones and one does not. I believe the Cooper is the one that does not use hormones, but check with your dr. first. The way the dr. explained it to me was that it's in the shape of a T and it prevents the sperm from attaching itself to the uterus (or however that all works). So at no point is the sperm being "killed". Some people don't like that idea. It's just stopping it from attaching itself. I never even noticed it was in my body. There were a few times when my husband said he could feel it. Ha ha, he is a rather large guy though so maybe that's just him! : ) I am pregnant with my third child now and I intend on getting the UID as soon as I have this baby. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I really would recommend this option.

I had a similar experience to you in that I wanted something else than day-to-day birth control pills. I explored the copper IUD but didn't like the idea of copper in my body. Then I found out about Mirena. It's an IUC (interuterine contraeptive) with progesterone in it and no copper. It's plastic and flexible. You can learn about it at www.mirena-us.com. The doctor puts it in in one visit and you may feel a little discomfort (cramping) at first, but it quickly goes away. It lasts for 5 years!!! My husband can't feel it when we're intimate and I can't either. The only down fall is I bled for several weeks (which is one of the most common risk factors) and I spot from time to time, usually after intercourse (also common). On the up side, this usually only lasts for the 1st 6 months and after that, my doctor said a high percentage of women have extremely light or non-existant periods, which pleased me since I had awful crampy periods that made me really sick!

I'd make an appointment to talk with your OB-GYN or Primary care MD because they may want to run a Gynorrhea/Chlomidia swab first which is suggested because you can't have it if you have an STD of that nature (I didn't have them do this because I only have had one sexual partner, my husband, and had just had one done when I was pregnant so they just put it in on the day of my appointment). I was drawn to Merina because it can be pulled out easily in one appointment if you're ready for another baby and the chances of conception are that of no controceptive. I lost a baby before conceivign my son and my husband and I think birth control may have played a part (even though MDs have told us no). We love not having to do stupid condoms and diaphrams and the such and spontaneous intimacy is delightful!!! Hope this helps.

S., 25, mother of Tyrrone, 3.5 months

I've never heard of the Copper IUD before. Make sure if you're nursing that it's safe. My dr. always put me on the Mini-Pill after I had my babies. There is little to no hormonal effect on you or your baby (if you're nursing).

I had a Mirena IUD which is a soft, flexible IUD that also releases hormones. It was WONDERFUL! I had no adverse side effects EXCEPT no period (which I didn't mind). This IUD is only effective for 5 yrs. I had it placed while I was still breastfeeding. I had to have it removed for medical reasons a few years later and had it replaced with a copper IUD. Other than having a real period again (cramps and heavier bleeding), it has worked great for the last year and a half. The copper IUD does 3 things. It can prevent fertilization by impeding the journey of the sperm to the fallopian tubes. If an egg does get fertilized, the IUD can prevent it from attaching to the uterine wall (hostile uterus). And lastly, it slowly releases copper as you said. It can stay in place for up to 10 years and once removed you can start trying to get pregnant immediately. If you want to go hormone free, this is probably your best option as the other options out there aren't as easy. Plus, if your insurance covers birth control then it will be mostly paid for by your insurance company. Hope this helps!

I have the copper IUD. Basically the copper and sperm don't get a long. I've had it for over a year. It has made my periods last an extra day or so, and they are heavier. The first 2 days especially are very heavy. So, that is definetly something to consider.

I had a copper IUD before and I hated it. It made my periods the worst I had ever had and it was so painful when they removed it. I know there is a new kind out there that is not copper and is supposed to ease your periods. I can't remember what it is called but I think it is plastic instead of copper.

S.
This is information that I got from the internet. An IUD is a copper device that is inserted into the uterus(with a plastic string hanging for removal later.) The copper helps the uterus and fallopian tubes create a fluid that will kill the sperm. You may experience bleeding or cramps afterward. About 4-6 weeks after insertion you should go back for a follow-up check. An IUD device can be left in the body for up to 10 years. If you want more information I found a site under "How does an IUD work?" at POPLINE searchable documents. I found it at the bottom of the first page of sites.
After my first 2 children were born I had an IUD put in. It was good for a while, but in the end caused a tubal pregnancy for me. Because of this I lost one of my tubes. I was still able to have my periods as usual and had 5 more pregnancies without any trouble. At that point I decided to us inserts instead of risking the loss of my last tube. I think you should talk to your doctor about any other risks you might face with this.
Good luck P.

Hi S.
I have the copper IUD and LOVE IT! I have had it for 4 months now and do not even know it is there. I was on birth control for so many years and the hormones just played with me. I made a promise to myself that I would never go back to hormone based birth control. I was breastfeeding until 6 weeks ago and still have not had a cycle. I am not sure what it will be like during a cycle but so far is the best form of birth control I have found.

I have a copper IUD and I love it. I, like a lot of the other responses, have a heavier period. However, usually only the first day is heavy and they still only last about 4 days (same as before the implant). I got the implant at my 6 week checkup after my daughter was born and haven't had any complications. However, I started taking glucophage about a year ago, which increases fertility. As a precautionary measure my husband got a vasectomy. He probably didn't need to as the IUD is 99.9% effective, but we thought better safe that breast feeding in the middle of the night again!

Hi S.. I had a copper IUD inserted after the birth of my son. Due to a bloodclotting risk I have, I am no longer allowed to have any birth control that contains hormones. I had take the pill for over 10 years prior to finding out about this risk... but anyway, I had a hard time with the copper IUD. My periods were longer than they had ever been. I was used to 2-3 day periods and when I got the copper IUD I had HEAVY, 7-8 day periods. My mood swings were unbearable and my cramps were even worse. After only having it for 1 year I had it removed. Although we are trying to have another child, when the time comes again to choose birth control,I will be getting the 5 year, non-copper IUD.

Hi S.,
Did your doctor mention the Merena IUD?
It is plastic and releases a low level of hormones. Much much lower than the pill somewhere around 10-30% of hormone level in pills.
IUDs are inserted in the cervix and irritate the lining of the cervix enough to prevent implantation of the fertilized egg, thus preventing pregnancy. Conception is not prevented, just implantation. Copper IUDs can increase cramping during menstruation if you already suffer with that you may want to consider it. Sometimes the Merena (plastic) IUD makes women stop having cycles but not everyone. The only real potential danger is the possibility of intrauterine infections if you have more than one partner. It is only for women in committed one partner relationships without the possibility of new STD’s. An IUD can be a great option for married mommy's in-between kids! Good luck.

I currently have the copper IUD and I love not having to take a pill. The copper is sort of a natural spermicide. My sister has what I think is called Mirena...It is a hormone one but the amount of hormones is minimal and since it is right in the cervix it doesn't really give you enough hormone in the right places to effect you. She switched from the copper because her periods were so heavy. They are more normal on the Mirena. My periods with the copper one are extremely heavy for about two days, and then extremely light for about three. I would recommend either one. Mirena has been known to cause weight gain in some people, although my sister has not had that problem.

I have the Mirena IUD because of the localized hormones and because I really liked the effect it has on your period (lighter, shorter periods or none at all). I found that since switching from the pill, my hormones match more closely to when I wasn't on any birth control. I didn't get it until after I stopped breastfeeding. Anyway, it's a lot different from the pill and the hormones are really a small amount.

As for the copper, my sister-in-law had it (she just had it removed to try for another baby) and she really liked it, except for the fact that it made her period really heavy and longer. She had no other complains.

Someone else explained how IUD's work - blocks the sperm, stops implantation, thins the uterus lining and may possibly stop ovulation. It's likely a combination of all.

I love my IUD and only wish I'd gotten it sooner. Congrats on the little one!

I used the pill for years and got tired of the hormones as well. Now I have an IUD w/o hormones. It's good for 10 years. I don't remember the name, of course. Everything has side effects and affects people differently. I like the IUD because I can forget about it. I would talk to your OB/GYN and/or look on the internet for more details. I wouldn't wait, though. I got my birth control taken care of at my 6 week appointment. You CAN get pregnant now. That is, if you're even wanting to have sex. :)

I had the Copper IUD and loved it. My doctor had used it herself and loved it as well. I had it for 3 years and then when I was ready to have another baby had it removed and was able to get pregnant in just 2 months. I plan to get another Copper IUD at my six week check after this baby is born in May! I am not completely sure how it works but it worked for me just fine. My sister in law has had one too for the past 3 years and she likes it as well. You do not have to worry about the pill or how hormones might be effecting you.

Hi S.,

My OB promoted the copper IUD for me, even though I told him I am typically allergic to metals. Sure enough, he earned over $500 from me and my insurance company for inserting it one minute, watching me turn remarkably ill, and taking it out the next minute. It works for other women, but not for me. That is for sure!!

cheers,
C.

I have three boys and have used both types of IUD's in between pregnancies. I really liked the Mirena IUD whichis good for 5 years (however it does release some hormones...the plus side is for many women your period becomes almost nonexistant) I also used the copper IUD and was happy with that...the down side for me was that my period was a little heavier and a little longer than I was used to; however, my period was usually 2-3 days and very light bleeding and when I had the copper IUD it was 5-7 days and I had to use a few more tampons everyday than I was used to. I am currently pregnant for the 4th time and I will go back to the Mirena IUD as soon as I have this child. The peace of mind with the IUD is amazing. Hope this helps.

Ask your doctor about Mirena. It's a plastic IUD. You bleed heavily at first, then it tapers down to almost nothing for periods. I only noticed a little bloating right before my period. But I loved it.

If you are nursing, my doctor gave me the "mini pill". It's a pill BC, but it has low hormones or something.

check out merina it's a great form of birth control I love it. It's the newer version of the copper IUD. Dr. Ponder is a great ob that will do it.

S.,
congratulations on your little one! I currently have a Paraguard IUD, it is a copper-bound one like what it sounds like you are looking into. I love the option of hormone-free BC - no icky side effects! Paraguard is plastic with a very thin copper wire wrapped around it; the way I understand it is that the copper creates a "hostile environment" for the sperm so they can't fertilize the egg. I haven't had any side effects so far except a thick mucous discharge the first few weeks; I've also only had mine for a month, so someone else can probably tell you side effects better who's had it longer! Anyway, Paraguard has a website (I think it's just www.paraguard.com) that has all of their information on it. Good luck with your decision!
Kim

I had mine for almost 3 years with no problems. I loved the fact that I did not have to remember to take a pill more than the fact that it did not mess with my hormones. I didn't hurt too bad getting it or having it removed either. My Dr. explained to me that the copper IUD makes the Uterus not right to accept implantation.

I had a copper IUD after my first child. I absolutely loved it. I had no side effects and didn't have a single period during the three years that I kept it in. I am the biggest fan of IUD"s. I love not worrying about birth control pills or other contraceptive options. As far as how it works, I believe the copper makes the uteran environment one in which the egg cannot grow. I have never heard that it actually releases copper into your system. That seems a little strange to me. But, if I were you I would definitely go for it. I think the option of having a worry free, and hormone free birth control is fabulous.

I can't have hormonal birth control either and I have a mirena IUD and I love it. It doen't effect my hormones and its no fuss, I don't have to worry about it every day its great. I believe the way this one works, is it releases a very small about of hormones right into your uterus which thins the lining of your uterus and thikens the cervix. these two together are great. they say its the most effective birth control. Hope this helps

Have you asked your Doctor about the noraplants. These are put in your arm and they last for 5 years and when you are ready to have them taken out they can. Ask your doctor for info about them he should give it to you.

I have heard that the copper IUD can make you have heavier periods with more cramping. I had the mirena IUD and loved it. It makes your periods really light and sometimes women stop having periods with it. There were no hormonal side effects. It did hurt a little to get placed but no pain with the removal. You can keep it in for five years so a good a birth control option if you want spacing in between the next baby. Good Luck!

I don't know much about copper IUDs, but I have heard a little about the hormonal IUD Mirena. It is the same size and shape as the traditional IUD, but works by releasing a hormone similar to the pill birth control. Seems not so invasive as the copper IUDs because they don't irritate your uterus. A doctor has to insert it, but then it can work for up to five years. It can also be removed at anytime and fertility goes back to normal almost right away - if you decide you'd like more children.

Hi S.,
The copper IUD is a really safe and easy birth control solution. I worked for an OB/GYN office for almost 5 years until I delivered my first child. One of it's nice benefits is that it lasts for 10 years, and it is a really easy in office procedure to get it. Most insurances will cover it with an office copay. If your insurance doesn't cover it though, it is usually around $400-500 without coverage. One thing about it though, is a lot of doctors are starting to use the Mirena IUD instead, it does release a very small amount of hormones though. I opted for that one, and I am really sensitive to birth control hormones. I get severe migraines with OTC hormones. The Mirena didn't make that worse, or cause any emotional, or weight gain issues. Either way you go you should be fine, with long lasting birth control and that is the best part. Once you decide to remove the IUD, getting pregnant is usually done within 6 months to a year, if you decided to concieve again. C. C

Hi S.,

If you are wanting to have another child in the next couple of years, you may not want to have an IUD put in. By the time your periods even out from having it in, you may be considering another child at which point it could take a bit longer to conceive because of irregular periods after having it out. I had alot of trouble with mine and don't recommend it if it is only for 1-2 years. My husband and I used condoms and that seemed just fine for us, I can't take the pill either so, it wasn't an option. Some men are opposed to condoms when you are married but, my husband just decided that it was the best for us because of the circumstances, it was better for the short term and then it made conceiving easier with my subsequent pregnancies. I have 4 boys and now my husband has had a vasectomy. My only regret is having IUD's, (I had 2),because my periods have never gone back to normal and I had to have an endometrial ablation last month to try and control bleeding. Good luck with your decision, your best bet is to check with you OB/GYN for suggestions and make the best choice for yourself. My situation is probably not the norm but definitely a possibility.

S.

Just to give you a little more idea about the long term of using the IUD. I've had mine in for 10 years now (It's due for replacement or removal later this year) and I haven't had any problems with it. I don't have to worry about pills or shots or remembering to use spermacide all the time. Also, none of those methods are as foolproof as an IUD. The pregnancy risk with an IUD is something like .1%, it's extrmely low. Also, there are so many problems a child can experience if you get pregnant while usings pills or spermacides. I have been extremely happy with mine. The only problems I really had were the discomfort during insertion and it took a week or so to settle in and sit where it's supposed to. I would DEFINATELY recommend an IUD for birth control for a married couple. I would also recommend that you explore your options a little further, especially if you are not looking forward to being pregnant when you little boy is 6 months old.
Also, as far as how exactly an IUD works, even the person who designed it is unclear on what it does to prevent pregnancy. My personal feelings are that it does all of the above, irritating the uterus as well I think that the copper is damaging to sperm cells as well. Good Luck and I hope that you find something a little more reliable than spermacides to use for Birth Control.

After having my first child, I was looking for a non-hormonal birth control, too. I had had bad experiences with the pill and patch because of the hormones, so I had a copper IUD put in because it was easy and hormone free. My sister in law had used it and liked it, too. I kept it in for two years and had no problems. I recently had it removed so we could try for our second baby. From what I've heard, the copper in the IUD does act like a spermicide and keeps the sperm from fertilizing the egg, but you could ask your doctor for further information on that. I was very happy with it as a birth control option. Hope this helps.

From my understanding, the copper messes up the sperm's signals so that they can't find their way to the fallopian tubes and up to meet the egg.
I used one for birth control when I was first married and I loved it, so I got it again at my six week check-up after having my son.
For me it made my cramps more painful the first day of my period - but I don't know how it will be this time around since I've only had it in 3 weeks and my period obviously hasn't started again. I feel like that was a small price to pay to have effective birth control that didn't require any hormones.
I also feel that regardless of what other people's experiences with different birth control options are or what the doctor tells them, each woman should study it out and follow what her instinct tells her. My friend's sister got pregnant with her 2nd on the pill and felt that she needed a more effective bc, so she got the copper IUD - but she felt uneasy about it even as the dr was putting it in. She ended up getting a pelvic infection and had to have the IUD removed. What works for some women doesn't work for others. So after you've done your research, be sure to follow your gut on this one - after all, no one knows your body better than you do.

I had the mirena IUD, however a friend of mine had the copper. she had no problems what so ever with it and had it in for over 7 years. I am not sure about the copper being released, I have never heard of that. I however loved my IUD and recommend them to anyone. They dont hurt to put in and you can barely tell they are there after that! good luck
A.

Hi S., I had a copper IUD for 7 years, it was a great alternative to the pill for me. The down side was for me that my cramps were a little more intense and I had a little more bleeding. Other than that no sweat! I was told that nobody can be 100% sure how an IUD works, but mostly the general consensis is that it prevents implantation. Hope this helps!

I have had a copper IUD after each of my 4 kids and I would never, ever use anything else. My body doesn't respond well to hormones, so that's why I originally chose to go with the IUD. It can be a little pricey to put in and take out, but insurance may cover it and I think it's worth it to be without added mood swings/weight gain/price & inconvenience of regular birth control. Sometimes there is a little spotting and breakthrough bleeding for a couple of months, and a little bit of cramping, but for me it was all very minor. The way it works is the chemical in the copper acts as a barrier so the sperm and the egg can not come together. It's worked for me and I would recommend it to anyone.

you said "From what I understand it releases copper which acts as a spermicide, is this correct?"

Absolutely not. If your Dr gave you information - you should read it. Here's a website with information as well
http://www.paragard.com/paragard/index.php

I used this for 6 years 20 years ago with good results (no pregnancies during the time it was in place). The only difficulty for me was not during insertion - but during replacement time - a bit painful - but nothing like childbirth of course :)

I would recommend it - but you should do all the research you can to make the best decision. It is hormone free. Good luck and congratulations on your new born!

I am of the same opinion that I didn't want anything to interferer with my hormones. I chose NFP or TCOYF http://www.ovusoft.com/ or the book (which is what I got) http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Reprod...
(I'm not catholic so TCOYF was the same Ideas with less religious backing, more knowledge about your body and cycles etc).

Basically you learn when your fertile times are (at most 10 days out of a cycle) and you either abstain, use a diaphragm, or a condom or something to avoid pregnancy. And when you decide it's time to get pregnant again, you don't have to mess around with getting something removed and waiting for your fertility to resume. This method has been a good fit for me since I had my thyroid removed and didn't want anything messing with my hormones.

It takes some work on your part but lots of husbands like it because they can take the responsibility too and help you chart.

Just wanted to let you know what other options there are than what the docs tell you. I have used this method for 5 years and never been pregnant unprepared that way. Also when it came time to get pregnant I knew just when to try to be most effective and experience success.

Not to scare you but I have a sister in law who used copper IUD and still got pregnant, now she's got a baby growing and on the ultrasound the baby had the IUD clamped in his little fist. Nature prevails! Needless to say the whole 90% effective turned out to be 0% effective for her.

Hope you find something that works for you!

I had a copper IUD for two years before I had my daughter. There are definetely pros and cons to it. The IUD is good for ten years and it is wonderful to have no hormones messing up your emotions and to have no worries about whether it is effective. However, like all IUDs it is very painful to get put in. Plan on some major cramps keeping you on the couch for a few days, maybe longer. It can also give you more painful and longer periods. It actually made my periods twice as long and I had cramps for eight months (I was unusually sensitive to it, mostly because I had not yet had a baby). However, the benefit of knowing I was not going to get pregnant, not gaining weight, not bloating, and especially not being moody was worth the hassle to me. As soon as my OB gives me the ok I am getting another one.

My friend has an IUD and she loves it. The copper does act as a spermaside but it also keeps the egg from implanting into the uterus. After they insert it into the uterus they have to clip the strings that are attached to the IUD. The only problem she had was that her husband could feel the strings durring intercourse so the doctor just clipped them some more. Good luck
J.

See the following link regarding unbiased info on IUD's and other birth control methods. It may answer some of your questions regarding how IUD's work and pros/cons of various birth control methods. Here's the link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control/BI99999/PA...

I have the copper IUD in now and I love it!! I have always had irregular periods and after I had my molar pregnancy I had to chose a semi-permenant form of birth control to ensure that I do not get pregnant for at least a year. Anyways, it has regulated my period and having no additional hormones is great! (My husband especially loves that part) :P I don't believe that it releases copper, it just blocks the eggs from dropping. The best part is that you don't have to worry about taking a pill at the same time everyday it is virtually maintenance free:)

I had the copper IUD (Paraguard I think?) for almost 3 years after the birth of my first son. I was a teeny bit painful upon insertion (although, I'm a huge whimp about such things), and I had heavier than normal periods for about 3 mos. After that, it was awesome! Never even thought about it again until we had it removed a few months before attempting to conceive my 2nd child (which we did successfully). DH never 'noticed' it either - there's some speculation that they will 'feel' the string, but he never did.

S., I loved my copper IUD. I never had any issues. Generally I think, if you are going to have any reaction it would be in the first few months. I actually loved it so much that after my second baby was born I did another IUD that is more long term (5 years) and actually took my periods down from 10 days to only 1 called Merina. I have never felt it or had any discomfort from it.

I got mine after our son was born. I have to say I don't know how it works, but I love it! I never have to worry about taking a pill, putting on a patch, etc. I had a day of mild pain after it was put in with some spotting, but after that I mostly forget I have it. Since I'm over 30, my period is not as regular and heavy/light in various months. You don't have the pill to regulate it anymore...

All around, I'd totally recommend it! Good luck.