Backup for copper IUD - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Backup for copper IUD

February 19, 2018

Question

I’m a 37 year old woman who has four children. I was recently diagnosed with a medical condition that makes further pregnancies dangerous for me and for the fetus. I currently have a copper IUD. I need a second form of contraception or something even more effective than the copper IUD alone at preventing pregnancy. I have a strong family history of breast cancer and am reluctant to take any estrogen. What do you suggest?

Answer

We are sorry to hear of your situation.

The copper IUD is approximately 99.2% effective. You could use either spermicide or a diaphragm with spermicide as an additional backup method. This would get you about as close to 100 percent as one can with reversible contraception.

Alternatively, you may want to discuss the Mirena IUD with your physician. This is approximately 99.9% effective and contains progesterone, not estrogen.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

B’hatzlacha!