The IUC - Is It Right For Me?

Contraception can be overwhelming...There are so many options available with various side effects, costs and efficacy rates that it is challenging to really understand the spectrum of options available. As a result, I imagine many young college women use the pill by default: its often subsidized by student health plans, its heavily marketed to our age group and many of our friends select this method, so why stray from the pack (pun intended)? But really, do we know what other options are out there?

While I feel the pill is a phenomenal option for many women and I'm thrilled that its available on most campuses at lower costs, it doesn't always work for everyone and sometimes has its challenges. While we are busy rocking this world as powerful feminists, sometimes we miss a pill or sometimes we forget to pick up the next pack in time to start the new month. These simple mishaps can cause stress and worry and distract us from doing the incredible work we do. So what other options exist out there for young women?

I'd like to introduce...the IUC (previously known as the "IUD")! IUC stands for Intrauterine Contraception which does exactly what it sounds - its a 1 inch "T" shaped object inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist that interferes with the implantation of an egg on the uterine wall so it cannot be fertilized.

The IUC is a fantastic, safe and easy method for busy young women with a 99% efficacy rating! There is no daily, weekly or even monthly remembering to do and it is a method that can be kept private from a partner or family member if this is important to you. Furthermore, it is a one time investment rather than monthly bills and it is often covered by health insurance.

There are two kinds of IUCs, the ParaGaurd® and the Mirena®. The ParaGaurd® works for 10 years of continuous contraception coverage and the Mirena® last for up to five; however, both methods can be taken out by your gynecologist at any time to restore fertility. Slate just published a great article on young women and the IUC.

An IUC only prevents pregnancy and therefore will not provide any protection from sexually transmitted infections or HIV, but a barrier method such as a condom or dental dam can provide protection when used properly.

The IUC has gotten a bad rep in the past - ask anyone from our mothers' generation and they will probably be terrified that you are considering this option. Unfortunately, this is from a ton of bad press and negative coverage on the Dalkon Shield, a method with faulty manufacturing that was pulled from the market in 1975 but lingering negativity around IUCs remain.

Sadly, people seem to continue to focus on the negative and ignore the extensive positive research on the safety and efficacy of the IUC. The IUCs on the market today have completely different design and manufacturing than the problematic IUCs of the 1970s.

So if you're looking for a method that is safe, easy and completely reversible - talk to your health care provider about IUCs, it just might be a method that works for you!

For more information on contraception options, check out this awesome interactive tool from ARHP.

photo courtesy of Ed Yourdon on Flickr.