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What Mothers and Daughters Should Know About Birth Control
By Carma Haley
The IUD
The Intrauterine Device -- also known as the IUD -- is a small plastic device that contains either copper or hormones and is implanted directly into the uterus by an OB/GYN. The IUD offers protection against pregnancy but will not prevent STDs from being transmitted from one partner to another. The IUD is 97.4 to 99.2 percent effective in protecting against pregnancy.* "With the IUD, a woman must be educated in order for it to be effective," Carrozza says. "Women who use or have an IUD must learn the warning signs of when it has slipped out of place as well as what pain or discomfort associated with the device is cause for alarm. The IUD is beginning to gain popularity again as it offers constant protection against pregnancy. If a woman is educated on its use, the IUD could be ideal for her lifestyle."
The advantages of the IUD are that it provides consistent protection against pregnancy and can be forgotten -- providing no complications arise. But teens may not be able to consider the IUD as a method of birth control, since the uterus may be too small for proper placement of the device. In addition, there are various conditions that can prevent the use of IUDs for both adults and teens, including various pelvic infections; vaginal infections; copper allergy; abnormality of the cervix, uterus or ovaries; Wilson's Disease; AIDS; or Leukemia. The cost of the IUD can be moderate to high, ranging from $95 to $300. There are also additional costs for office visits to an OB/GYN for fitting and placement, as well as costs for removal if complications arise. If the IUD is chosen as the method of birth control, the woman should feel comfortable with the risks involved and be well informed about the signs and symptoms of complications.