An IUD ? Here Are The Risks Involved

An IUD (Intrauterine Device ) is a small, T-shaped object that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

It is one of known 20 birth control method to couples who want to prevent pregnancy.

There are two types of IUDs:
Copper IUD - contains copper, a type of metal
Hormonal IUD - contains the hormone progestogen
Both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can't get to an egg. If sperm can't make it to an egg, pregnancy can't happen.

Studies show that IUDs do not cause pimples, headaches, sore breasts, nausea, mood changes, loss of sex drive or weight gain. There is no evidence of an extra risk of cancer. There are some risks from having an IUD put in:

• There is a small risk of infection (about 1%) when an IUD is put in.
• There is a very small risk of damage to the uterus (about 1 in 1000 people).
• A copper IUD might give you more bleeding and cramping during your period, but this usually gets better over time.
• The copper IUD can cause an allergic reaction, but this is very rare.
• The hormonal IUD might give you irregular or light bleeding.
• The IUD can sometimes come out by itself (about 5% of all IUDs). You can check the strings are still in the right place at any time.