In Reply to: IUD? posted by yvette on July 12, 2003 at 11:15:37:
: What is this?
IUDs are small devices made of flexible plastic that provide reversible birth control. Those available in the U.S. contain copper or a hormone. IUDs are available by prescription only. A clinician decides which is the right type for each woman and inserts it in her uterus. Two types are now available in the U.S. One type, the ParaGard® Copper T 380A, contains copper and can be left in place for 10 years. The other, the Progestasert®, continuously releases a small amount of progestin and must be replaced every year. Once inserted, the IUD is immediately effective. When removed, its contraceptive effect is immediately reversed.
How IUDs Are Used IUDs are inserted into the uterus by trained clinicians. Insertion is often done during menstruation, when the opening of a woman's cervix is softer and she is not likely to be pregnant. hope this has helped