IUDs, and cancer associated?

Question

How many ppl besides me would be very unconfortable with a copper IUD being inserted into their parts. Not only is it foreign, its copper, dont you think something like that could cause cancer or other problems in our delicate parts???

Answer 1

It is a good contraceptive with a bad reputation in some countries. The Copper T intrauterine device (IUD) is safe and reversible, requires little effort on the part of the user once inserted, and offers 10 years of prevention against pregnancy. However, in some countries family planning clients are reluctant to use IUDs, health workers are reluctant to provide them, or programs do not have the supplies or trained staff needed to offer them.

Fears about side effects, concerns about infection and infertility, lack of technical training for providers, and the time and costs involved in providing services combine to discourage use of IUDs in some countries. "The IUD is quite an effective method and has a lower rate of complications than hormonal methods," says Dr. Carlos Huezo, medical director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). "Therefore, it is regrettable that its use is low in many countries. We need to create an awareness of the safety of the IUD and how effective it is."

Worldwide, approximately 13 percent of all women of reproductive age use the IUD, making it the second most popular contraceptive (19 percent use female sterilization, the leading method). However, most IUD users are in a few countries, especially China, where a fifth of the world's population lives. While studies show the Copper T IUD is nearly as effective as male or female sterilization, the IUD is often ignored or overlooked. One reason is misinformation on the part of both clients and providers.

Myths and rumors

An international mail survey being conducted by IPPF and the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that inaccurate information about IUDs is a barrier to use worldwide. Dr. Huezo says preliminary data about clients' questions and concerns revealed that rumors are commonplace. The survey was sent to national institutions providing family planning services in 75 countries.

"The most common misconception was that IUDs work by causing an abortion," says Dr. Huezo. "We also heard that the IUD causes cancer. This was a quite common perception, but it came as a surprise to researchers. Another concern is that the IUD moves outside the uterus and can travel as far as the heart or brain."

IPPF and WHO are preparing a list of these misconceptions for providers and responses providers can give to address clients' concerns. For example, no scientific evidence indicates IUDs cause cancer. In fact, research suggests the devices reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancers. Although the IUD can be expelled through the v****a or very rarely can perforate the uterus during insertion, the IUD does not travel outside the uterus to other organs. IUDs prevent fertilization. Although the specific mechanisms are not fully understood, studies show the IUD effectively interrupts the reproductive process before implantation and pregnancy, suggesting that it does not act as an abortifacient.

"If we want to increase the acceptability of the IUD, or any other method, it is important to provide information and education to the community, the clients and potential clients," Dr. Huezo said. "It is also very important to update knowledge among the service providers -- not only those who directly provide (contraception) but those who provide other reproductive health services."

Up-to-date information is important. A study in Jamaica found that private physicians often denied family planning methods, basing their decisions on out-of-date information rather than current scientific evidence.1 Twenty-nine percent of physicians required their patients take a rest after using an IUD -- before inserting another IUD or using another method -- and 11 percent required a blood test before IUDs were inserted. Neither is medically necessary.

Answer 2

I don't like IUDs cuz one of my friends had one and it got lost inside of her and wouldn't stay in place so now she has to have surgery to get it removed cuz they say its in her stomach area, I don't like the idea of stuff like that being up there all the time either, I think that it would be very uncomfortable just knowing that it is up there