IUDs cut cervical cancer risk nearly in half, study finds

[Warpy]

LONDON — Contrary to popular belief, intrauterine contraceptive devices might actually protect women against developing cervical cancer even though they don't stop the infection that commonly leads to the disease, according to the results of an international study.

While IUDs, also known as coils, are unlikely to be recommended as way of preventing cervical cancer -- the second most common form of cancer in women worldwide -- the research should reassure women and their doctors that using them carries no added risk of the disease.

Spanish researchers who studied 20,000 women found that those with a history of using IUDs were no less likely than women who don't to contract the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer, but they had only around half the risk of developing the cancer itself.

More at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44503085/ns/health-cancer/

[FedUpWithIt All]

1. I had a copper after the birth of my last child. Worst few months of my life.

And that is no exaggeration. There are definitely side affects with it that they are not reporting. And women are being ignored.

http://www.topix.com/forum/health/birth-control/TPJ6JN7FDCJOTQN53/p122

[emilyg]

2. My daughter would agree with you.

[Warpy]

7. And millions of women disagree with both of you

Birth control is an individual thing. It takes some experimentation to find the right method.

Some women can't tolerate IUDs and some can't tolerate hormonal birth control.

[FedUpWithIt All]

10. There is a real problem when women are told that it's all in their heads.

You are correct that different bodies react in different ways to different methods. But in the case of the Copper Para-guard, there are a significant number of women who have a set of specific side affects which are not listed or accepted as legitimately connected to the IUD.

Extreme mood issues, continued excessive bleeding and cramping, acne issues, increased hair loss and abdominal pressure and thickness are not listed as side affects yet a great many women are experiencing these and in numbers have been documenting the relief of these things within weeks of removal. A quick google search will lead to thousands of women discouraged and discussing these same affects.

Often the women are discouraged when requesting removal and told that the symptoms are imagined.

[Warpy]

12. Yes, OB-Gyn docs need to listen a little more carefully

but I'm afraid med schools are still turning out macho physicians (of both sexes) who think Valium will cure any problem a woman ever has because it's all anxiety and all in her pretty little head. That's a separate issue.

Millions of women did just fine with those things.

[Sal Minella]

8. The CU-7 developed a reputation for being very hard to live with

and was eventually taken off the market, iirc.

I wept continually while on the pill and thought the IUD was wonderful -- for many years. No hassle, no "forgetting," no unwanted pregnancies, no problems whatever.

Edit: Found on googling:
===============================================
Cu-7 IUD Litigation
Resolved approximately 135 cases for women implanted with the Cu-7 IUD manufactured by G.D. Searle & Co. The first case tried in Minnesota resulted in an $8.5 million verdict on behalf of the plaintiff, including an award of $6 million in punitive damages. A second case tried in Los Angeles settled on the eve of closing arguments. Shortly thereafter, all remaining cases were settled.
===============================================

Copper-T was another copper device, but CU-7 is the one I remember seeing in the news.

[SharonAnn]

3. I had one for 7 years and rather than periods heavier than when on the pill, no problems.

[get the red out]

4. I had problems for the first couple of months

But it has been just fine since.

[gkhouston]

11. I was just the opposite: the first few months were fine, then it became hellish.

The ob/gyn swore the pain and heavy bleeding couldn't possibly have anything to do with the IUD. After seeing a urologist and a gastroenterologist to rule out kidney or GI problems, I went back to the ob/gyn and told him to remove the IUD, period. My problems resolved within a day or two.

[Ian David]

5. Do they only work on women? n/t

[Warpy]

6. When you grow a uterus and cervix

they'll work on you, too.

[NickB79]

9. Where else do you plan on sticking it? nt

[trotsky]

13. I don't know of anyone else on DU who can just throw in a question like that...

and make me literally LOL.