The copper intrauterine device, or IUD, is one of the most effective methods of contraception. Have a doctor shove a T-shaped copper wire into your uterus and watch as you suddenly prove completely invulnerable to pregnancy! But when it comes to how the copper IUD actually works, without any hormones in it preventing pregnancy, most of us might not have a clue. It turns out that the mechanism that makes copper IUDs so effective is still kind of mysterious; but we do know it has to do with copper ions and how they interact with sperm as it enters the body.
Tag: contraception
W.H.O. Recommends Contraception in Countries With Zika Virus
The World Health Organization issued a strong call on Thursday for the use of contraception in countries with the Zika virus, and said that women who had unprotected sex and feared infection should have access to emergency contraception, a recommendation that may not sit well with the Roman Catholic Church.
Couples Who Use Contraception Have More Sex
There’s an obvious reason, Bell says, why couples using contraception would be spending more time in the bedroom: “It can separate sex from unwanted pregnancy.”
More US Women May Now Get IUD Minutes After Giving Birth
A new study shows that increased insurance coverage in more states is making contraception, particularly in the form of an intrauterine device (IUD), more available among women at the hospital right after delivery.
These States are Having the Safest (and Least Safe) Sex
According to Trojan, states were scored on two measures of safer sex: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and contraception. For STD rates, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates per every 100,000 citizens was examined, as well as the percentage of adults in the state who reported ever receiving an HIV test.
Planned Parenthood Often Only Contraception Provider Available: Study
Planned Parenthood is sometimes the only option for low-income women seeking contraception, according to a study released Tuesday.
The 1 Birth Control Pill Risk You Should Know About Above All Else
The Internet is flooded with information about contraception these days, and you have probably heard your fair share about IUDs and diaphragms and any other form of birth control that is available through your insurance provider. As you’re wading through the muck of statistics, though, there are a few things you need to pay attention to more than others. If you’re either currently taking the birth control pill or you’re shopping around for new contraception, listen carefully — because the most significant risk you face when you choose the Pill is developing blood clots.
Pregnancy Intentions Don’t Influence Women’s Birth Control Choices As Much As Relationships, Sexual Activity
As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 62 percent of women who are of reproductive age use contraception, the most popular choice being oral contraceptives, which 28 percent of women use. While oral contraception may be more common among women than ever before, the reason why may not be what you think. According to a new study published in the journal Contraception, women have made their contraception choice based on current relationships and sexual activity, not their long-term pregnancy goals.
The History of Birth Control: How We’ve Been Trying To Prevent Babies Since The Beginning of Time
Birth control: two words that hold plenty of controversy, heated emotions, and in many cases, consequences that can change one’s life. In the modern world, contraception has somehow garnered a bad reputation, considered by some an unnatural way to toy with pregnancy and bearing children — particularly among certain religious groups.
ACOG Updates Emergency Contraception Guidelines
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a Practice Bulletin concerning emergency contraception online August 19 and in the September issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The new recommendations, which update those published by ACOG in May 2010, include an expanded discussion and guidance on the use of ulipristal acetate and new data regarding the effect of body weight on emergency contraception efficacy.