What Is an IUD, and What Are Other Non-hormonal b.c. Methods

the only other non hormonal birth control are NFP and the barrier methods (cervical cap, diaphragm, and of course condoms). the nova ring is a good option for some women because the hormonal level is lower, but it is not w/o side effects.

Dear D.:
I think IUD stands for "intra utero device". It is somewhat T-shaped, and the two ends of the 'T' have copper. Those ends are right where the tubes enter the uterus. An egg has to be fertilized at that point or it won't settle. For some reason (which to my knowledge is still not completely known) sperms cannot pass the copper barrier, so the egg enters unfertilized at that point and it is too late for a pregnancy. Most women do not feel the IUD and are not allergic to copper. You need to check on proper placement every few years and perhaps get a new IUD every 10 years. My wife had one, and it worked nicely. It actually outlasted our marriage - she used it with other guys as well. I guess that was one of the reasons it outlasted our marriage, but that is not exactly a point against IUDs in general.

The benefits are no schedule (like shots), no hormones (like the pill), no preparation (like a condom) and no substance (like foam).

Regards,
W.

Hi D.,
I was also very against going back on any kind or hormones after having my 2 boys, I was very sensitive to the pill (every kind made me a raging maniac). However I tried the Merena IUD because I liked the idea of not having to worry about it for 5 years, fewer or no periods, and low doses of hormones.

I must say I've been very impressed overall. I don't have crazy mood swings and my libido is still there (however I'm not as amorous as I once was, but that could just be becuase I'm tired of trying to keep up with a 5 & 3 yr old active boys.

Anyway, I would highly recommend it (esp. after two "oops" pregnancies using the rythm method).

Best of luck to you in your decision. Until the pharmacutical companies stop running our health care system, alternatives such as the RISUG (a $10, fully reversible contriception for men) us women are stuck paying for it & paying the consequences.

I am in the same situation (pregnant or nursing for the last 6 years). When I asked my doctor about an IUD she says she does not like to use them because of the high rate of ectopic pregancy and infection related to them. But I have friends who use them with no trouble. I am mostly replying to see what other info you get:)

I have a copper IUD and haven't had any problems with it. The first few months my cramping and periods were worse, but after 6 months or so I went back to normal. I am extremely sensitive to horomones which is why I didn't to the Mirena. The copper also lasts for 10 years, which is a nice bonus.

They have actually quit using the copper iud as much because women have reactions to them. I have the Mirena-which has a very small amount of hormone on it- but not enough to change me like birth control pills did.

I absolutely LOVE my Mirena IUD...it lasts 5 years. It is just the best thing since white bread as far as I am concerned and I have tried several of the others- I loathe the depo shot...but it is medication. I know several people that use the Nuva Ring...I have heard good things about it. If have to remember to do it, then I probably won't and it is a monthly expense. My IUD cost a copay. I went two weeks later (another copay) to have it checked and that has been my cost.

I can't say enough good about it, if you have questions, feel free to contact me...
Good luck.