When the modern copper intrauterine device (IUD) first became popular in the 1960s, it was a great option for the millions of women who didn't like the idea of taking hormones to prevent pregnancy. But then in the 1970s, a particular style and brand of intrauterine devices were found to be causing serious health issues in women, including infertility and even some fatalities as the odd design allowed bacteria to collect and enter through the cervix to the uterus and the Fallopian tubes.

While its popularity and usage in the United States dropped dramatically, with most women just opting for the birth control pill instead, Asia and Europe continued to develop new models and use it, even more frequently than the pill in some countries such as communist China, where the birthrate is controlled by the government.

Because of the greatly improved technological advances in the almost 50 years since the original troubles, recent years have seen the IUD becoming popular once again in the United States. Here are two big advantages of opting for an intrauterine device for your method of birth control.

You Can "Set It And Forget It"

With the birth control pill, you have to remember to take your pill each day. You also have to remember to use an alternative method if you end up needing antibiotics for some reason, a common occurrence during the cold and flu season. Other popular methods, such as condoms, sponges, and spermicides also require you actually use them and use them correctly if they are going to prevent pregnancy. This can be easier said than done sometimes. With an IUD, once the doctor places it, you don't have to do anything other than get a periodic string check for several years. This gives the IUD an extremely high success rate, over 99 percent.

You Don't Have To Stop What You're Doing

With some of the other, less effective methods, you have to interrupt intimate moments to get the birth control. Either the man has to stop and put on a condom, which lessens his sensation as well as frequently feels "artificial" to the woman, or the woman has to get a spermicidal product. These products can also cause irritation and hamper some forms of sexual activity. With an IUD, foreplay can proceed without worry.

Another advantage of newer IUDs is some types use a small amount of hormones to help women who aren't trying to prevent conception but rather control heavy bleeding and cramps. Speak with local women health care services for more information.

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