Iuds: Sinful Birth Control Or A Woman's Choice?

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a popular form of contraception, with 23% of women worldwide who use contraception opting for IUDs. However, within certain religions, such as Catholicism, the use of contraception is considered a sin. This has led to some people questioning whether using IUDs is considered a sin.

Contraception and Catholicism

The Catholic Church teaches that artificial contraception is prohibited. This includes intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs can be hormonal or copper, with hormonal IUDs releasing progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, and copper IUDs containing no hormones but releasing copper ions, which are toxic to sperm.

According to Catholic teaching, sex is intended for two purposes: to reinforce the bond between a husband and wife, and to be open to life. This means that couples should always be open to the possibility of having children, and so contraceptives are forbidden. Any sex outside of marriage is considered a mortal sin, and using contraception is also considered a grave matter.

However, some Catholics on Reddit have pointed out that the use of IUDs for medical purposes, rather than contraception, may be permissible. For example, IUDs can be used to treat conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis. In these cases, as long as there is no contraceptive intent, it may not be considered a sin.

The Church also teaches that, for a choice to be considered a sin, three things are necessary: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. If a person does not know that an action is a sin, then they are not obligated to confess it. However, ignorance can sometimes be culpable, meaning that a person should have known better and is guilty of being ignorant. In the case of IUDs, if someone is aware that the Church prohibits contraception, then using an IUD with contraceptive intent would be considered a sin.

It is important to note that the views expressed on Reddit may not represent the official teachings of the Catholic Church, and individuals are advised to speak to a priest or other religious authority for guidance on this matter.

IUD insertion and removal

Insertion

Insertion of an IUD takes 15 minutes or less and can be performed during an office visit. The patient will be positioned on a table with their knees bent and legs supported in stirrups. A speculum is used to widen the vagina, and a numbing injection may be administered near the cervix to reduce discomfort. The IUD is then inserted, which may cause mild to intense cramping.

Removal

Removal of an IUD is a quick procedure. The patient will again lie on a table with their knees bent and legs apart. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to widen the opening. The IUD has threads that hang out of the cervix into the vagina, which the doctor will gently pull on to remove the device. If the threads are not visible, the doctor can use a special hook or other tools to pull them into view. In rare cases, the IUD may be stuck in the wall of the uterus, in which case the cervix may need to be widened with medicine and forceps used to remove the device.

Aftercare

After insertion, the patient may experience mild to intense pain, light bleeding or spotting, and backaches. It is recommended to take the rest of the day off work if possible. Over-the-counter NSAIDs and heating pads can help to reduce pain, and panty liners or pads can be used to manage any bleeding.

After removal, the patient may experience cramps and spotting or light bleeding for a few days or weeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. The patient will be able to get pregnant right after the IUD is removed, and their periods should return to their normal cycle.

IUD side effects

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a safe and effective form of birth control. However, like any medication, they can cause side effects. The side effects of hormonal and copper IUDs differ, and some people experience no side effects at all.

Hormonal IUD Side Effects

Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla, can cause side effects, but for most people, this is a good thing. The most common hormonal IUD side effects usually help make periods better. They can reduce cramps and PMS and make periods lighter. Some people stop getting their periods altogether while using a hormonal IUD, which is normal and safe. Hormonal IUDs can also be used to help with heavy or painful periods, treat symptoms of endometriosis or PCOS, or simply because the user doesn't want to menstruate every month.

Other side effects of hormonal IUDs include pain during insertion and cramping or backaches for a few days afterward. Some people may also experience spotting between periods, but these side effects typically go away within 3-6 months as the body adjusts to the IUD.

Copper IUD Side Effects

The copper IUD (Paragard) contains no hormones, so users don't have to worry about the risks or side effects associated with hormonal birth control methods. However, copper IUDs often cause more bleeding and cramps during the user's period, especially in the first 3-6 months. Paragard side effects can include spotting between periods, heavier or longer periods, more or worse cramping during periods, and pain during insertion with cramping or backaches for a few days afterward. As with hormonal IUDs, these side effects typically improve over time as the body adjusts.

General IUD Side Effects

Regardless of type, IUDs can disrupt the menstrual cycle. They may cause irregular periods, especially during the first several months after insertion. Some people may experience amenorrhea (absence of periods). The strings attached to the IUD may also feel stiff initially, and the user or their partner may notice this during intercourse.

Most people with IUDs continue to ovulate, and ovulating may cause the development of ovarian cysts. However, cysts are usually harmless and resolve on their own. About 1 in 10 women will get fluid-filled sacs in their ovaries in the first year of using an IUD, but these cysts typically disappear within 3 months and often cause no symptoms.

Risks of IUDs

While serious problems from IUDs are rare, some risks include expulsion (when the IUD slips out of the uterus) and perforation (when the uterine wall is pierced during insertion). There is also a small risk of infection, especially within the first 20 days of insertion, and a slightly higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Additionally, getting pregnant while using an IUD is possible and can be dangerous, increasing the risk of early labour and delivery or ectopic pregnancy.

IUDs and STIs

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a safe and effective form of birth control. However, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it is recommended to use condoms alongside IUDs to prevent STIs.

In a study of 1,350 participants aged 18-25 seeking contraceptive care, the incidence of GC/CT diagnosis was 10.0 per 100 person-years during IUD use, compared to 8.0 for non-users. However, IUD use was not associated with a higher risk of GC/CT diagnosis.

Another study found that IUD use did not result in an increased rate of GC/CT diagnoses among adolescents and young women.

Despite this, it is recommended that individuals with multiple sexual partners use condoms in addition to IUDs for STI prevention. This is because individuals with multiple partners are at a higher risk of contracting an STI.

It is important to note that IUDs should not be used by individuals with an active STI or those who are considered high-risk for contracting an STI.

IUDs and cancer risk

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a safe and effective form of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy for several years. IUDs are also known to lower the risk of many gynecological cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Some studies have suggested that IUDs can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 30%. This reduction in risk is particularly significant for women in medically underserved areas or those without access to regular screening.

However, a recent study published in the medical journal JAMA found a link between hormonal IUDs and a higher risk of breast cancer. The study analyzed health records for thousands of Danish women, finding a 40% higher risk of breast cancer among those who used IUDs, which equates to about 14 additional diagnoses for every 10,000 women. It is important to note that the overall risk of breast cancer remains low, and the benefits of IUDs may outweigh the risks for many women.

IUDs are generally considered safe, but there are some rare complications that can occur. These include expulsion of the IUD, perforation of the uterine wall during insertion, high-risk pregnancy, and infection. Additionally, women with cervical or uterine cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, a copper allergy, Wilson disease, severe liver disease, or breast cancer should not use IUDs.

Frequently asked questions