Science Explains What Happens To A Woman’s Body From A Copper IUD
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Many women out there have an innumerable number of questions and apprehensions when it comes to IUDs (intrauterine devices). We come across stories on the internet about this whole IUD procedure, and yes, this procedure is definitely a big deal (and painful too). But why is it done? How does a woman’s body react to it? How exactly does it prevent pregnancy and what does life with an IUD inside you look like? We’ve done our bit of research and have tried to jot down some basics about it.
What Is An IUD?
In terms of construction, an intrauterine device (better known to us as an IUD) is a T-shaped contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus of a woman. It’s usually made up of plastic, but these days we have a copper version of it, wherein the IUD is wrapped with copper. IUDs can prevent pregnancy in women by releasing a hormone called “levonorgestrel“ — a pregnancy-preventing hormone (1), (2). That said, an IUD is available in non-hormonal options too.
What Does A Copper IUD Do?
The IUDs have been there since the early 1970s. And with time, they have been improved to make them much safer and reliable. The newest version of this is the copper IUD. This IUD opts for a hormone-free method of preventing pregnancy. It’s an intrauterine device on which copper is coated. The benefits of copper IUDs are far better and satisfying than the other IUDs (3). Because of which, many women are lining up to get this procedure done. Additionally, it is known to be cheaper and said to last for as long as 10 years (4).
If you are wondering which IUD is better for you, we strictly suggest that you consult your gynecologist before you do. Depending on your health condition, the doctor might advise you the appropriate contraceptive procedure for you.
Meanwhile, read on to know exactly what happens to your body upon the insertion of a copper IUD in your uterus.
1. A Fluid Is Produced That Is Toxic To The Sperm
Hormonal IUDs basically thin out the uterus lining in order to stop the sperms from implanting, thereby preventing pregnancy. But a copper IUD is hormone-free, so how does it work? Well, the copper behaves like a spermicide (a natural one) when inserted into your uterus. It produces a fluid that prevents pregnancy (5). The copper fabricates a concoction with the white blood cells, enzymes, copper ions, and prostaglandins, which come together to create a fluid to kill the sperms.
2. What About Your Periods? Well, They Get Heavier
This is one disadvantage of a copper IUD. In comparison with the hormonal contraceptives that lighten your period cycles and almost eliminate it, the copper IUDs are known to do the exact opposite. Women have always complained of heavier flow during their periods and have also said that the duration of their menstrual cycle increases with a copper IUD (6).
3. Leads To Unbearable Menstrual Cramps
If the notion of heavier, longer periods wasn’t enough, copper IUDs induce heavy menstrual cramps too. It gets so severe that a woman would choose to just lie down an entire day without doing anything productive. But, the cramps vary from person to person. And if you feel that with every monthly cycle, you face so much pain that it feels like the apocalypse has arrived, then we suggest you go visit your gynecologist regarding your pain.
4. Clear Skin, Good Mood, And An Amazing Bedroom Life
Hell yeah! You read that right. Copper IUDs come with some amazing advantages as well. As it is a hormone-free IUD, you don’t have to deal with the effects of extra estrogen or progesterone levels in your body (7), (8). Which ideally means you will not be facing any acne outbursts on your skin, and also, the people around you will rejoice as you won’t be having any mood swings.
5. Ovulation Doesn’t Stop
If you thought that inserting a copper IUD in the uterus will prevent you from ovulating, you’re wrong. You are bound to be as fertile as before you got your IUD inserted. There is absolutely no room for any form of infertility in women upon undergoing an IUD procedure.
6. Higher Risk Of Developing Yeast Infections
A study says that irrespective of whether it’s a hormonal or a hormone-free IUD that is inserted, there is a greater chance of a woman becoming prone to yeast infections (9). The intensity of the yeast infection can vary from one person to another. It mainly occurs because of the fact that the candida gets accumulated at the tails of the IUD (10).
All these effects of using a copper IUD aren’t guaranteed to occur in every woman. It all depends on an individual’s health conditions and physical nature. But, remember to consult a gynecologist before deciding on what contraceptive procedure suits you best.
Have you got an IUD procedure done? Do share your experience in the comments below.
