Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
INTRA-UTERINE DEVICE (presentation)
The IUD is a small plastic device (which may contain copper or progesterone hormone)
that is placed in the uterus of a non-pregnant woman, where it acts as an effective, longterm,
but reversible contraceptive.
The most commonly used IUD is a Copper T. The Copper T looks like the letter “T. The
stem of “T” is wound with copper wire. Effective life of the Copper-T 380 is ten years,
meaning that once inserted in the women’s uterus, it can prevent pregnancy for ten years.
Two thin nylon threads /strings are attached to its lower end and lie in the vagina. The
threads are used in checking the IUD and in its removal.
How it Works
• The IUD prevents sperm from reaching the ovum as copper decreases their mobility.
• It prevents the eggs from being fertilized.
Effectiveness
The IUD is high effective: only 1 pregnancy in 125 women using the IUD in the first year
Advantages
• Is a safe, effective, long lasting method (up to 10 years)
• Is easy to use (once it is inserted, the woman has nothing else to do or to remember,
except checking the strings regularly)
• Can be removed at any time by a trained health provider, according to the woman’s
wishes or for medical reasons
• Immediate return to fertility upon removal
• Does not interfere with sexual intercourse
• Does not affect breastfeeding
• Has no interaction with medicines the woman may be taking
• After the initial follow-up visit, the woman needs to return to clinic only if there are
any problems
• No supplies needed by the woman.
Disadvantages/Limitations
• May have some side effects
• Must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional
• Pelvic examination required and screening for RTIs/STIs recommended before
insertion
• May induce changes in menstrual cycle pattern (Cooper IUDs)
• Women using IUDs need to check the strings regularly
• Does not protect against STIs, including AIDS (in fact it increases the risk of STIs in
women with multiple partners or whose only constant partner has multiple sexual
partners)
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 4: FP Methods