Advantages of an IUD

• It is highly effective.

• There are no side-effects on the rest of the body.

• It is a reversible method of contraception.

• It is independent of intercourse.

• Only one action (insertion) is needed for long-term contraception.

• There is no expense after the initial outlay.

Disadvantages of an IUD

• It may cause menstrual side-effects, which are the most common reason for its removal.

• There is potential for serious complications.

The controversy about IUDs

In recent years IUDs have received a lot of bad publicity. Media reports and features about IUDs have spotlighted, exaggerated and sensationalised their possible disadvantages so much that it’s very hard for anyone to know what to believe. In fact, only a very small proportion of IUD users have developed infectious complications. In Scandinavia, where IUDs are commonly used (almost 40 per cent! women needing reversible contraception use them), there has not been an epidemic of pelvic infection or any increase in subfertility due to blocked tubes аmong users.

IUDs have been the subject of many claims for compensation, especially in the United States. Certainly women who have suffered ill health and other losses as a result of negligence on the part of IUD manufacturers or doctors should be соmpensated. But this litigation has proved very profitable for lawyers, some of whom have not been above touting for business in questionable ways. It seems likely that some women have been persuaded to sue without just cause. It may become impossible to obtain the devices in some countries because no one wants to provide insurance against product liability.

I’ll stick my neck out and say that don’t believe that IUDs are as black as they’ve been painted, as long they’re recommended only to women at no risk of complications. Many women have use them for years without any problems, and it seems a pity that all women should be denied the choice of a method of contraception that would be ideal for some.

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