Infertility

Also, it was thought that the IUD put women at an increased risk for pelvic infections.

However, the new evidence shows that this is not true." To use this method, women need to be in a truly monogamous relationship, with both partners tested for sexually transmitted diseases, Heinbach said.

The IUD is a T-shaped piece of plastic wrapped in copper, Morgan said.

Heinbach said the device is a little larger than a quarter and is inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist.

The IUD is 99 percent effective against pregnancy, Heinbach added.

"If 100 women had the ParaGard IUD, less than one per year would get pregnant," Heinbach said.

The device is a safe method because it has no hormones in it, he said.

The IUD can stay in for up to 10 years, but a woman can take it out at any time, he said.

It can also fall out; if it does, it normally does so within the first two to three months.

"The major side effect is a slightly heavier period because some women experience spotting before and after their period and an increase in cramps," Morgan said.

If a woman has heavy, painful periods, then the ParaGard IUD is not recommended.

Once the device is taken out, it doesn't take very long to get pregnant.

Since there...

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