About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 19, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
...
6
7
8
9
10
...
Next»

Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) (cont.)

Medical Author:
Omnia M Samra, MD
Medical Editor:
Bryan D Cowan, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Lee P Shulman, MD

Women who should not use an IUD

  • Women who are pregnant or who have abnormal bleeding or cancer of the cervix or cancer of the uterus should not use IUDs.
  • Women who have had pelvic inflammatory disease, gonorrhea, or chlamydia within the past 12 months should also not use an IUD. Women with other current reproductive organ infections should not use an IUD until their infection is resolved and their doctor says that an IUD can be used safely.
  • Women with increased susceptibility to infections, such as those with leukemia, AIDS, and those who use intravenous (IV) drugs should not use IUDs.
  • If a woman has abnormalities of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries that would make insertion dangerous, an IUD is not appropriate.
  • Women who are allergic to copper, are having heat treatments, or who have Wilson disease (a rare disease in which copper accumulates in body tissues) should not use the copper IUD.
  • For women who have heart disease, an artificial heart valve, or a ventricular septal defect that has not been repaired, a doctor will carefully evaluate whether an IUD is appropriate because of the possibility of infection.
  • According to Planned Parenthood, because untreated infections associated with IUDs may cause infertility or difficulty becoming pregnant, IUDs are generally not recommended for women who have not yet had any children who may want them, women who want more children, and women who have had difficulty conceiving. However, in their discussion of IUDs, the Reproductive Health Technologies Project disagrees with this claim because IUDs are easily reversible.

Must Read Articles Related to Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Birth Control Barrier Methods
Birth Control Barrier Methods The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Birth control barrier methods include the male condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and sp...learn more >>
Birth Control Behavioral Methods
Birth Control Behavioral Methods The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Behavioral methods that don't use hormones such as birth control pills or mechanical devices such as...learn more >>
Birth Control Methods
Birth Control FAQs The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Your choice of birth control method involves factors such as how easy it is to use, safety, risks, c...learn more >>
See the Entire Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Topic Guide »
Print

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) - Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Why did you choose an intrauterine device (IUD) as your form of birth control?

View 13 Comments | Submit Your Comment
Print
Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Contraception »

The practice of contraception is as old as human existence.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Sexual Health Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies