IUD and Sex .... Need some opinions

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-08-2004
IUD and Sex .... Need some opinions
4
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 2:56pm
Alright my GF is getting an IUD put in. I'm not sure what kind tho. I'm just looking for stories from guys or girls that have had sex and usin the IUD as a birth control method. I know all methods are not 100%. Most are 96 to 99% effective. I'm wondering if I should still use protection when she has it in or it will be safe to have unprotected and go all the way without the fear of her getting pregnant? If any guy/girl can help me out it would be nice.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 4:10pm
If you're in the U.S., then there are two types of IUDs. The copper Paragard IUD is anywhere from 99.2-99.4% effective. Mirena is 99.9%. If you're comfortable with those odds, then you can have sex without any additional measures. Nothing is 100% though like you've said, and you will occasionally hear about women getting pregnant even with an IUD, although it's much fewer than other methods like the pill since this doesn't rely on the user to remember anything.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2004
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 4:11pm
I've had an IUD for over three years now. No, you do not need to use any other form of protection. The IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, you need to be sure that you are STD free. If your girlfriend should catch an STD, the IUD gives her a greater risk of contracting PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) which can cause infertility. The good news is that if you and your girlfriend are monogamous and STD free, the IUD is a wonderful form of birth control that you rarely have to even think about.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 8:36pm
as long as the IUD's in she should be protected.....I've had the Mirena for over a year now and haven't been using anything else as birth control and haven't gotten pregnant....
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 10:13pm
The IUD is the most effective birth control available. There are some side effects for the first few months that may make periods painful, but they will go away.

I use only the copper IUD for protection and love it, I rarley think about it and I know I am protected.