Mostly, the mode by which the copper-covered IUD inhibits pregnancy is not permitting the sperm to inseminate the ovum (egg). Moreover, it may also make it unyielding for a zygote (fertilized ovum) to attach to the wall of the womb. The efficiency of the IUD continues from the time it is placed in till a long period of time. A copper IUD can continue to stay in the same position for a term of upto ten years. This renders the IUD a fine choice for those women who are not prepared to begin a family. Although an IUD can continue in the original position for a prolonged period of time, yet a specialist in gynecology or a nurse with a superior knowledge, ability, and proficiency in specialized area of nursing are competent to take it out any time. But are there any copper IUD side effects?

What Is a Copper IUD?

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a miniature contraceptive agent made of bendable plastic, meant to prevent inception of pregnancy. It is introduced into the uterus, where it endows secure, highly useful and lasting prevention of pregnancy. In the US, two IUDs are presently accessible such as ParaGard T380, an intra-uterine copper contraceptive and the LNG-IUS Mirena also known as Levonorgestrel intrauterine system. The former precludes pregnancy due to a tiny copper filament enveloped around the T and it carries on for ten years. The latter bars pregnancy by discharging a very small quantity of an artificial form of the hormone progesterone, which is gradually liberated into the uterus where it performs to put off pregnancy. This continues for five years. The two are figured like the capital alphabet T and lower than 1.5 inches, which can be disengaged either time.

An IUD is a good decision for women who desire a really changeable, long-term, effortless practice of birth control. It can be a suitable alternative for women who are incapable of utilizing various hormonal methods such as contraceptive pills or who are not excellent at consumption of pills. Be careful that unlike the contraceptive pill, an IUD will not defend you from venereal diseases. The copper IUD could also be employed for contraception that needs to be utilized for urgent situations. If it is inserted not further off than five days after undefended sexual intercourse, it turns up to be more successful as compared to the intake of contraceptive pills in urgent situations. Additionally, they could be kept in the womb for the purpose of long-lasting birth control.

Here is a video to show you how a copper IUD is inserted:

Who Can Use a Copper IUD?

1. Those Who Can Utilize It

An IUD can be a secure contraceptive preference for women who:

• Have a record of pregnancy in which the fetus developed outside the womb (usually in a fallopian tube). In such cases, the copper IUD as well as hormonal IUD is suitable.
• Encompass a record of unbalanced menstrual periods as well as pain. The hormonal IUD may be apt for women who have bleeding disorder or who consume blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Are afflicted with diabetes mellitus
• Feed a baby (breast feeding)
• Are suffering from endometriosis. In such cases, the hormonal IUD is the recommended choice of contraceptive.

2. Those Who Cannot Use

Though IUDs are a good selection for contraception in nearly every woman, yet they are not suggested in the following cases:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease or a severe venereal contamination
• Presently pregnant
• Troubles associated with the womb such as deformity or atypical bleeding

Specialists advise IUDs as a fine preference for young females as well as adolescents due to the fact that it persists for several years, do not necessitate safe-guarding on a daily basis and are valuable at averting pregnancy. A modernized kind of IUD is an improved choice for females who have never delivered a baby and could be miniature IUDs which utilize a lesser measure of progesterone.

What Are the Copper IUD Side Effects?

Side Effects	Descriptions
Effects caused by insertion	Frequently, spasms (in association with back pain) stretch over one or two days, following the placement of an IUD. Intake of an NSAID sixty minutes prior to its placement assists in decreasing the pain as well as spasms. Dizziness experienced by some women could be prevented by reclining until the dizziness slips away.
Menstrual alterations	Menstrual alterations are the most frequent side effect of copper IUDs. Anemia could result from extended intense menstrual blood loss and spotting between periods.
Pelvic inflammatory disease	PID is distinguished by tummy pain, fever, bleeding or discharge from the vulva or painful sexual intercourse.
Uterine problems	Ejection of the IUD, puncture in the uterus, scratch marks in the abdominal cavity, implantation of ParaGard in the wall of the womb are some of the matters related to the womb.
Pregnancy side effects	Hazard of an ectopic pregnancy; still birth; labor happening too early.
Additional side effects	Painful sexual intercourse; infection, irritation, discharge from vulva, nausea.

Here is a video to tell you more about the copper IUD side effects:

When to See a Doctor

While using a copper IUD, a word of warning regarding a more severe setback associated with the IUD is to seek an urgent medical advice if:

• You feel extreme pain in your tummy or the lower portion of the trunk
• Intense bleeding from the vagina
• Passage of lumps of blood and frequent soakage through the sanitary pads or tampons
• Foul smelling discharge from the vulva
• Chills and fever
• Pregnancy

Keep an eye on alterations in your health status and don’t forget to get in touch with your doctor if:

• You are unable to locate the cord of your IUD
• The cord is smaller or lengthy as compared to the customary one.
• You are facing troubles with your technique of contraception
• Exposure to or having contacted a venereal disease