MYTHS IN GYNAECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS – IUCD
MYTH surrounding IUCD: – IUCD causes menstrual problems; severe pain in abdomen or backache and it is responsible for weight gain or loss both. It can also affect chances of future pregnancy adversely. It causes pain during intercourse.
- Full form of IUCD is Intra-uterine Contraceptive Device.
- IUCD in India is popularly known as Copper T as it contains copper as contraceptive agent and it is shaped like a “T”.
- However not all IUCDs are T shaped and not all contain copper. But Copper T is the most popularly used IUCD as it is provided by government of India free of cost.
MYTH BUSTER
- Advantages: – Copper T is one of the most effective, safe and economical methods of contraception. It can be easily inserted and removed. It can be safely used by breast feeding mothers. As it is effective for 3 to 5 years, it offers a very good option for spacing between pregnancies. It is available free of cost from government, so even economically backward females can benefit from it.
- Once inserted couple can have intercourse without using any other precaution.
- Side effects are minimal.
- The myth that Copper T causes menstrual problems is mostly exaggerated. Yes, it can cause menstrual disturbances like spotting or slightly more bleeding during menstrual cycles in a small percentage of females during first 2 to 3 months after insertion, most females do not have any problems.
- There is no medical evidence to support the statement that Copper T is responsible for pain in abdomen or backache. Mostly overthinking or anxiety can make the females to attribute their pain to copper T.
- Similarly there is no evidence to suggest that copper T causes increase or decrease in weight. Again it is the lifestyle or diet or some medical problems which are responsible for weight gain or loss.
- Most females can become pregnant immediately after removal of copper T. It doesn’t affect future chances of pregnancy.
- Copper T is inserted in uterus; hence it does not interfere with intercourse, nor does it cause any discomfort or pain during intercourse.
- In short, Copper T is one of the best family planning options for all child bearing women.