I am confused, I think. An IUD is a contraceptive device and a form of birth control, and touted as such, with a pretty high percent - around 98% or so - of effectiveness.

??

OK heres how IUD's work.

the 5 year one (Mirena- which I have) has small doses of hormone in it, which release only to the uterus. It prevents pregnancy because of the hormone and the fact that the uterine wall is not thick like it should be to carry a baby (egg cant fertilize if no cushy tissue is what I was told)

the 10 year one (It's the copper one, I'm not sure what the brand name is) has copper in it, which creates a hostile enviorment, and the egg cannot attach.

Both are birth control and are highly effective. I think theres a .02% chance of pregnancy with the mirena. I'm not sure about the Copper one. I knew I was getting the Mirena and requested it when I was signing papers to have my csection the last time. I've never had a lick of issue with my mirena, as far as cramping, spotting, ect. In fact I havent had a period in almost 5 years

Alice, I'm really curious, but what did your doc say your IUD was for? I can't think of them being used for anything else except birth control.

I'm just guessing here but it looks like you've typoed "menstrual cup" as IUD?

First of all, menstrual cups are not air-tight. There are air holes put in there to control the suction. Second, they do not fit tightly to the cervix, and instead just go around it. Various other diaphragms and cervical caps can do this, but they cover the entire ceiling of the vagina.

I think that's what you're asking, anyway.

The paraguard is hormone free and i love it, the insertion was pretty painful and crappy but after that and a week and a half of soreness, rough first period i now love it. My periods are more heavy but the cramps are about the same. But it's so much more convenient than pills as i would forget them all the time. Love my copper IUD!