copper IUD
I have read through all of the posts. And there are those on here who say there is no scientific backing to gaining weight while using the copper IUD. That is simply not true. First let's clear up something. The maufacturer of and the medical community have no definitive scientific or medical explanation as to precisely how the copper IOD prevents pregnancy. They know it stops eggs or fertilized eggs from implanting into the uterine linging, this due to the toxic environement it creates. In fact the toxic environment it creates can actually kill the egg and sperm whether or not fertilized.
Onto why some women may gain weight: copper allergy reaction includes bloating and edema - which can feel similar to a urinary track infection. in fact, many doctors who get patients with copper IUD who complain about peeing or feeling like they have to pee or being bloated and etc. will run such a test and will also tell them to watch salt intake, drink more water, etc.
Other signs of copper allergy may include rashes, acne, itchy skin and etc.
Anyone who tells you it is like a U.S. penny - is simply incorrect. The copper IUD - the copper wire is solid copper. In contrast, a penny is nearly 98% zinc and coated in a thin miniscule copper plating. In has been so since 1982. Prior to that the copper content of a penny was no where near 100% either.
Some people do indeed have metal allergies. The fact that a piece of copper is stuck inside of you and has access to your blood stream -quite easily through the uterine lining, makes it much more accessilb eot your entire system. Someone with even a remote allergy would be more apt to react to it.
That said, things to consider about this: would you put a coin inside of you to prevent becoming pregnant?
Have you ever seen what happens to copper when it is oxidized 9say outside) by the elements including water? Do you think your insides are not prone to things such as moisture and oxygen?
Anyone who believes there is no scientific evidence supporting reaction to the copper IUD is simply mistaken. There can indeed be allergic reactions and they do indeed include weight gain which would be primarily bloating and edema which can set off a whole slew of reactions within the body.
That said, the medical community has no idea precisely how or why this thing works, just that it does work. While some may have no side effects, others may indeed have side effects.
Consider this: if a piece of copper plumbing went into your arm, would you remove it - or would you leave it there believing it is safe for that copper to be inside of your arm? Copper plumbing is solid copper as well.
So for the doubters about allergic reactions to this thing, consider what is known about copper.
Also consider that while you had no reaction, someone did.
And that said, bear in mind that many prescriptions and such approved by the FDA and prescribed by doctors that were thought to be safe, turned out to be quite unsfae. Consider what is now known about Zyprexa and Yaz - both prescriptions involved in class action law suits in the U.S.
So, if you have this thing and it works for you - great. If you have this thing and are gaining weight, bloated and feel constant urination urge or the only thing that helps is to drink tons of water, get it out. Make your doctor remove it. The doctor will most likely fight you, but you will feel much better once the allergen is removed.
And BTW, copper allergy testing is not required prior to insertion of this. But if you have reaction to earrings or jewelry that is not solid gold, this is a good indication to other metal allergies.
Good luck ladies!