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Understanding IUDs
From Planned Parenthood Federation of America
1996
How Well IUDs Work
The chances of avoiding pregnancy when using an IUD are excellent. Only Norplant®, sterilization, and Depo-Provera® are more effective than the IUD in protecting against unplanned pregnancy. Only eight out of 1,000 women using copper IUDs will become pregnant during the first year of use. Only six out of 1,000 become pregnant with perfect use. Fewer than three women in 100 using an IUD with progestin will become pregnant during the first year of use. Fewer than two will become pregnant with perfect use. Fewer pregnancies happen with continued use.
A woman can increase her protection in two ways:
- if she checks for the IUD string regularly and talks with her clinician if it is missing or is longer than before
- if the couple also uses condoms and/or foam for the first two or three months during when she is most likely to be fertile
IUDs offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections, and they should not
be worn by women who are at risk.
Continue - How IUDs are Used
Understanding IUDs Table of Contents
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