As is my understanding, it's very safe (barring alergic reaction) and one of the most effective methods of birth control. So why is it that I never hear anyone talk about it? I hear women talk about getting a tubal ligation than getting an IUD, and that is by far a more dangerous procedure.

So any ideas why this thing always slips beneath the public consciousness?

For some random haggard reason I read that as 'pubic consciousness'...

I suppose it's not as 'easy' as buying condoms or taking the pill, it's a full on insertion (possibly undignified) procedure with a doctor, etc.

Note that I compared it to other invasive procedures. Or one anyway.

Comparing an IUD with condoms is apples and oranges. As for the pill... I can't say for sure since I'm a guy, but it seems that a little invasiveness would be decent compensation for not having to take a pill every day, the obvious risk of missing a dose, and the hormonal malestorm that they cause.

(In other news: Yay for me, I spelled 'consciousness' correctly on the first try.)

We have infact had a couple of threads about it. But , like many others, i was taught that it was a form of abortion. Now it seems new research has shown it not to be (thanks again DENKDAN for that) but that did put many people off. Also horror stories about toxic shock etc.

[This message has been edited by jackketch (edited 11-03-2006).]

Went bad for a friend of mine, no way in hell would I have one.

Give me a pill everyday instead thanks.

quote:Originally posted by kAtE-:

Went bad for a friend of mine...

At the risk of having to hear a horrible, horrible story, what happened? TSS?

IUDs have a stigma on them because a long time ago, one company's device killed a bunch of women and created serious infections in thousands.

Certainly easier than a daily pill, and probably less dangerous than hormone treatment with all the side effects. I'd hate to take the pill and a month later have a blood clot in my brain.

All modern contraceptives are pretty safe though, provided your doctor does his job and makes sure you won't react badly..

You missed all of my bitching a few months ago. I had my IUD in for 10 months. It was amazing as far as birth control went, but it really caused more trouble than it took away. From the time I had it put it, my period was never normal. At first, I didn't have a period at all for about 3 months. Then I had a peirod that lasted 2 weeks. The next time I had my period, it was May.. It didn't end until August when I had it taken out.

It's really effective.. Just not something that was compatable with me.

quote:Originally posted by Hardly There:

At first, I didn't have a period at all for about 3 months. Then I had a peirod that lasted 2 weeks. The next time I had my period, it was May.. It didn't end until August when I had it taken out.

That sounds more like some kind of injury due to the IUD than a simple period. Unless you were in a state of nearly constant ovulation.