Mechanism of Action of IUCD of intrauterine contraceptive devices are as follows as it work in woman reproductive organ in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy

• Copper IUCDs work primarily by causing a chemical change in the uterus that impairs 

sperm function, preventing fertilization 

• IUCDs that contain progesterone also cause thickening of cervical mucus, which stops the 

sperm from entering the uterus 

• Copper T 380A IUCD is the most effective and longest-acting reversible method, has a 

protective effect of at least 12 years, and is more than 99% effective

Advantages, Disadvantages and Misunderstandings of (15 minutes)

Advantages of IUCD 

• Highly effective and safe 

• Long-acting 

• Easy to use, do not require the user to do anything once the IUCD is inserted 

• Does not interfere with sex 

• Allows the client privacy and control over her fertility 

• No delay in return to fertility after IUCD is removed 

• No further costs after the IUCD is inserted 

• One visit for insertion and minimal follow-up required after first three to six-week check-

up (unless client has problems) 

• Does not interact with any medications 

• Can be removed at any time by a skilled provider 

• Complications are very rare 

• Evidence suggests the copper IUCD can protect users from endometrial cancer 

• Reduced menstrual bleeding with levonorgestrel IUCD 

Disadvantages of IUCD 

• Initial cost may be higher than other short-acting methods 

• A trained provider is required to insert and remove an IUCD 

• Common side effects, especially in the first three to six months after insertion: 

o Prolonged and heavy monthly bleeding with Cu IUCD 

o Irregular bleeding 

o Cramps and pain during monthly bleeding. With prolonged use of the copper 

containing IUCDs, some women will experience a prolonged increase in cramping 

and bleeding during their menses, this is usually well-controlled with ibuprofen. 

o With prolonged use of the progestin-containing IUCD (Mirena), the menses will 

typically become much lighter and there may be a complete cessation of bleeding. 

• Complications, while rare, may occur: 

o Uterine perforation during insertion (relates to the difficulty of insertion and the skill 

of provider, usually heals without treatment) 

o Miscarriage, preterm birth, or infection in the rare cases that the woman becomes 

pregnant with the IUCD in place 

o Lower risk ectopic pregnancy related to lower risk pregnancy; but if the woman 

becomes pregnant with IUCD in place higher risk of ectopic pregnancy 

• Health risks 

o May contribute to anaemia in women who are already anaemic and in whom IUCD 

causes heavy monthly bleedings (Cu IUCD, but less common after the first several 

months; not levonorgestrel) 

o Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may occur if woman has chlamydia or gonorrhoea 

at the time of IUCD insertion. There is not good evidence on this as to how IUCD is 

related. Important to treat all STIs. 

• Provides no protection against STIs, including HIV 

• Some complications may require immediate attention and thus clients should have access 

to back-up services

Addressing Misunderstandings about IUCDs 

• IUCDs rarely lead to PID 

• Do not increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV 

• Do not increase the risk of miscarriage when a woman becomes pregnant after the IUCD 

is removed 

• Do not make women infertile 

• Do not cause birth defects or cancer 

• Do not move to the heart or brain 

• Do not cause discomfort or pain for the woman or man during sex 

• Substantially reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy, by reducing the risk of pregnancy. 

o If pregnancy woman use iucd while having iucd may increase risk of having ectopic pregnancy that may lead bleeding to a woman