Do You Know All These IUD Myths?
Myth: IUDs prevent pregnancy by causing abortions.
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Myth: IUDs cause infertility.
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Myth: IUDs increase your risk for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies after they’ve been removed.
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IUDs aren’t effective.
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Myth: Getting an IUD causes your period to get heavier.
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Myth: IUDs can make
sex uncomfortable.
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Myth: IUDs are only safe for people who have delivered
a baby.
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Fact: IUDs do not cause infertility. Studies show that IUDs do not increase the risk of infertility and that you can become pregnant after having your IUD removed.
Myth: IUDs cause infertility.
Fact: IUDs do not cause abortions.
Copper IUDs interfere with sperm’s ability to move, which makes it more difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus and reach the egg.
Hormonal IUDs thicken the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg. They also thin the uterine lining, making implantation difficult.
This means an IUD prevents pregnancy before fertilization.
Myth: IUDs prevent pregnancy
by causing abortions.
Fact: IUDs are more than 99% effective
in preventing pregnancy. In fact, they’re even more effective than hormonal birth control pills, which are 93% effective with typical use.
Myth: IUDs aren’t effective.
Fact: IUDs do not increase your risk for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy — a pregnancy that implants and grows outside the uterus — after IUD removal.
But, in the rare case that you do become pregnant while using an IUD, your risk for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy will be increased.
Myth: IUDs increase your risk for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies after they’ve been removed.
Fact: Although irregular bleeding may occur in the first few months after IUD insertion, the hormonal IUD is actually FDA-approved to treat heavy periods for up to 5 years. This means it can help reduce heavy bleeding and may even shorten your period over time.
On the other hand, copper IUDs can cause heavier, more painful periods. These are not recommended for people who already have long lasting, heavy periods.
Myth: Getting an IUD causes
your period to get heavier.
Fact: Your IUD shouldn’t change how sex feels or make sex uncomfortable.
In rare cases, your partner may feel the IUD strings during sex, but your doctor can trim the strings to fix this issue.
All IUDs have thin plastic strings attached to them so that you and your doctor can make sure your IUD is in the right place and so your IUD can be removed easily when the time comes.
If you feel abdominal or pelvic pain during sex or other physical activity, such as exercise, this could mean the IUD isn't in the right position, and you should consult a doctor.
Myth: IUDs can make sex uncomfortable.
Fact: IUDs are safe for most people, including teens, people who have never had a baby, and people who have been pregnant in the past.
There’s no minimum or maximum age for using an IUD, meaning IUDs are safe for both younger and older people.
Myth: IUDs are only safe for people who have delivered a baby.
Fact: Even though some people feel a
bit of pain and cramping during the procedure, it usually lasts just a minute
or so. Plus, research suggests that
IUD insertion pain isn’t as bad as most people expect.
If you’re nervous about insertion-related pain, talk with your doctor. They may be able to offer you a medication that can help with pain before the IUD insertion procedure begins.
Myth: Getting an IUD inserted is worse than childbirth.
Myth: Getting an IUD inserted is worse than childbirth.
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IUD Truth or Tale: