Warning signs – never ignore while using copper -T

I I used copper -T for two years and ended up being admitted to a hospital as I ignored these warning signs

Growing copper-T usage

Copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped contraceptive device that is placed inside the uterus by professional health care providers in order to prevent pregnancy. It’s success rate is 99% and is widely used all over the country from rural to urban cities .

Even government is promoting copper -T in government hospitals because of increasing population and concerning the health of women after childbirth. Copper -T is provided in government hospitals in free of costs to eligible women. Government also provide postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device insertion (PPIUCD) after childbirth and post – abortion intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion after abortion.

Types of copper-T

• Para guards – prevents pregnancy for 10 years
• Mire nea – prevents pregnancy for 8 years
• Liletta – prevents pregnancy for 6 years
• Kyleena – prevents pregnancy for 5 years
• Skyla – prevents pregnancy for 3 years

How it works

As the name suggests , it releases copper ions making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize eggs .it also affects the uterine linings, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant .and form and embryo.

How it is inserted

An instrument called tenaculum is used by the health care providers to open the cervix and then IUD is inserted through the cervix then into the uterine cavity and is hooked to the wall of the uterus .

The string attached to the IUD are cut to a length that allows the patients to check for IUD placements .

here comes the warning signs that you should never ignore while using copper -T

• Changes in the length of the periods – copper IUD may lead to heavier bleeding and longer periods which should normalise after a few months but if it persists longer , it is a sign of danger and ongoing problems that should not be neglected
• Cramps – people generally experience cramping which is a common side effects , often due to the uterus adjustment to the foreign object and increased prostaglandin level which are usually temporary . But, if it persists longer means our body is not adjusting with this foreign object and it should be removed by health care providers in immediately .
• Missing string – the string attached to IUDs are generally hanged through the cervix which you can feel it with your fingers. It allows the patients to check for IUDs placements . However, if the patient is unable to locate the string, she should immediately contact the health care providers . A missing string shows the possibility of misplaced copper-T. It is dangerous as it can misplace to fallopian tube or can puncture the uterine linings which can create further complications in future .

My story and experience to learn from

After my first childbirth, I had my postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device insertion (PPIUCD ) as per the government program . I had no cramps and I was busy taking care of my new born baby ignoring my heavy and longer periods which continued for two years irregularly. I started having frequent back and vertebral pain with tiredness and weakness going along with it hand in hand . Because of my new responsibilities I ignored it again. Ultimately, one day I was unable to wake up from my bed due to severe backpain. Somehow, people around me managed to take me to the hospital . I had a full body checkup including x-ray and MRI but nothing came out . It took a turning point when after one day my blood report came as it was shocking . My haemoglobin count was just 5g/dL and I was immediately referred to admit in the hospital.

Conclusion

Every birth contraceptive has its own side effects . Similarly , each contraceptive suits different for different people . copper-T is widely used for its high success rate and durability. It is a great way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and taking care of postpartum health of the women. After going with a childbirth , our body need rest for at least 6 months . A woman should not conceive immediately after childbirth . It hampers her physical and mental health. Looking at it pros , copper-T is a safe contraceptive method. One should not try to remove copper -T at home by oneself . It should be done only by professional health care providers under the supervision of doctors .