- How the copper IUD works
- Main advantages and disadvantages
- How the IUD is inserted
- What to do if you can't find the thread
- Possible side effects
- Does the IUD get fat?
The copper IUD, also known as a non-hormonal IUD, is a type of very effective contraceptive method, which is inserted into the uterus and prevents a possible pregnancy, having an effect that can last up to 10 years.
This device is a small piece of copper-coated polyethylene that has been used as a contraceptive for many years, having several advantages over the pill, such as not needing a daily reminder and having few side effects.
The IUD must always be selected together with the gynecologist and must also be applied in this doctor's office, and cannot be changed at home. In addition to the copper IUD, there is also the hormonal IUD, also known as the Mirena IUD. Learn more about these two types of IUDs.
How the copper IUD works
There is still no proven form of action, however, it is accepted that the copper IUD changes conditions inside the woman's uterus, affecting the cervical mucus and the morphological characteristics of the endometrium, which ends up making it difficult for the sperm to pass into the tubes..
Since sperm cannot reach the tubes, neither can they reach the egg, fertilization and pregnancy do not occur.
Main advantages and disadvantages
Like any other contraceptive method, the copper IUD has several advantages, but also disadvantages, which are summarized in the following table:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Does not need to be changed frequently | Needs to be inserted or replaced by the doctor |
| Can be withdrawn at any time | Insertion can be uncomfortable |
| Can be used while breastfeeding | Does not protect against STD \ 's like gonorrhea, chlamydia or syphilis |
| It has few side effects | It is a more expensive method in the short term |
So, before choosing to use the copper IUD as a contraceptive method, you should talk to the gynecologist to understand if it is the best method for each case.
See how to choose the best contraceptive method for each case.
How the IUD is inserted
The copper IUD should always be inserted by the gynecologist in the doctor's office. For this, the woman is placed in the gynecological position with her legs slightly apart, and the doctor inserts the IUD into the uterus. During this procedure it is possible for the woman to experience a little discomfort, similar to pressure.
Once placed, the doctor leaves a small thread inside the vagina to indicate that the IUD is in place. This thread can be felt with the finger, but it is not normally felt by the partner during intimate contact. In addition, it is possible that the wire will slightly change position over time or appear to be shorter in a few days, however, it should only be of concern if it disappears.
What to do if you can't find the thread
In these cases, you should immediately go to the hospital or the gynecologist's office to do a transvaginal ultrasound and assess if there is a problem with the IUD, such as displacement, for example.
Possible side effects
Although the copper IUD is a method with few side effects, it is still possible that some side effects such as abdominal cramps and excessive bleeding during menstruation may arise.
In addition, as it is a device that is placed inside the vagina, there is still a very low risk of displacement, infection or perforation of the wall of the uterus. In such cases, there are usually no symptoms but the thread may disappear inside the vagina. So if there is a suspicion that something has happened, the doctor should be consulted immediately.
Does the IUD get fat?
The copper IUD does not get fat, nor does it cause any change in appetite, as it does not use hormones to work. Generally, only the hormone-free IUD, such as Mirena, has any risk of causing any type of bodily alteration.
