|
IUDs:
- Are not abortifacients
- Do not cause infertility
- Do not cause discomfort for the male partner
- Do not travel to distant parts of the body
- Are not too large for small women
|
Both providers and clients may have false beliefs about IUDs.
Replacing rumors with facts will help the user be more comfortable
and satisfied with the method and more likely to continue using
it.
Some women may be concerned that the IUD is an abortifacient
or prevents pregnancy by aborting a fertilized egg. However,
as discussed earlier, research has shown that the primary mechanism
of action of copper IUDs is to prevent fertilization.
Another myth is that modern IUDs cause infertility. As discussed
earlier, infertility is mainly caused by PID. Providers can
largely reduce a woman’s risk of developing PID by screening
clients for current STIs or high individual risk of STIs and carefully following infection prevention procedures
during insertion. This fear of infertility may be a result of
problems attributed to the Dalkon shield, an early IUD that
has not been manufactured or distributed for 20 years. These
problems included an increased risk of infection, infertility,
pain and cramping. The most serious consequences associated
with Dalkon shield use were the result of untreated infections
and septic abortions. The IUDs manufactured today are designed
differently to avoid these problems. They are much safer and
cause fewer side effects.
Women may have heard that IUDs cause discomfort for the man
during intercourse. Occasionally, a man may feel the IUD string,
but this should not cause him any pain or discomfort. Counseling
the man may be appropriatein such
cases. If the male partner finds the string unacceptable, the
provider can cut the strings shorter if the client requests
it. Clients should understand, however, that if the strings
are too short, they may retract into the uterus and the woman
may not be able to feel them when checking for the IUD.
Another myth is that the IUD can leave the uterus and travel
to distant parts of the body, such as the brain or the heart.
On rare occasions, an IUD can perforate the uterus, but it will
remain in the abdominal cavity.
The last myth is that Copper T IUDs are too large for small
women. Studies comparing the TCu 380A to the smaller MLCu 250
show that this is not true.
|
