Copper IUCD (INTRA UTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE)

It is a small, flexible plastic frame with copper wire around it and plastic strings at the bottom. A specially trained health provider inserts it into a woman’s uterus through her vagina and cervix, after which the strings are cut short and left to hang in the vagina to enable removal.

How does it work?
Mainly by releasing copper ions into the uterus; these copper ions weakens the sperms so that they’re unable to move and reach the woman’s eggs. One Copper IUCD can protect a woman from pregnancy for up to 12 years.
Is it effective?
If inserted correctly, the chances of becoming pregnant when using a Copper IUCD are less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women (less than 1%).
Advantages:
• Nearly 100% effective when inserted correctly.
• Very private; no one else can tell that a woman is using contraception.
• Provides long term protection from pregnancy; up to 12 years.
• No delay in getting pregnant after discontinuation
• Does not require daily action, regular checkups, or repeat visits.
• Does not contain any hormones therefore has minimal or no side effects at all
• May help protect against endometrial cancer & reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Common side effects / limitations?
• Must be inserted and removed by a specially trained health provider
• Changes in bleeding patterns within the first 3-6 months e.g. prolonged or heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, or more cramps
• Does not protect from STIs including HIV / AIDs
IUCDs DO NOT:
• Increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV/AIDs.
• Increase the risk of miscarriage after the IUCD is removed
• Make a woman infertile.
• Cause birth defects or multiple births
• Cause cancer
• Move out of the uterus and travel to other parts of the body
• Prevent a woman from doing heavy work.
• Harm the man during sex unless the IUCD has not been inserted correctly
• Enter the baby’s body if a woman gets pregnant and carries the baby with the IUCD in place

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