{"id":21278,"date":"2024-08-24T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-24T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalwomanhood.org\/?p=21278"},"modified":"2024-09-18T13:29:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T18:29:42","slug":"la-preocupante-relacion-entre-el-iud-de-cobre-y-la-vaginosis-bacteriana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalwomanhood.org\/es\/the-troubling-link-between-the-copper-iud-and-bacterial-vaginosis\/","title":{"rendered":"La preocupante relaci\u00f3n entre el DIU de cobre y la vaginosis bacteriana\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes birth control methods, the copper IUD is often seen as a safer alternative to the Pill because of its lack of hormones. However, it\u2019s important to remember that hormone-free<\/em> does not necessarily mean totally safe for your body<\/em>. A growing body of evidence suggests women who have used a copper IUD to prevent pregnancy are at greater risk for developing bacterial vaginosis (among other serious issues<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a copper IUD?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A copper IUD is a small, T-shaped device that a medical professional inserts into a woman\u2019s uterus as a means of contraception. The device slowly releases copper (Cu) ions into the uterus, essentially killing sperm to prevent fertilization. When properly inserted, the Cu-IUD can prevent pregnancy for up to twelve years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many women see the copper IUD as a safer alternative to the birth control pill since it doesn\u2019t release synthetic hormones into the body. But the Cu-IUD is not without its own risks and side effects<\/a>. In addition to longer, heavier periods, the copper IUD has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, backaches, and pain during sex. Additionally, copper IUDs have been linked to heavy metal toxicity symptoms including fatigue, nausea, irritability, brain fog, and more. In rare cases, the copper IUD can actually become embedded in the uterus or migrate to other areas of the body<\/a> if it\u2019s not properly placed [1]. This can cause a whole slew of problems, and may require surgery to remove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, recent studies have also linked the copper IUD to an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis [2]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is bacterial vaginosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance of the vagina\u2019s natural \u201cgood\u201d bacteria (Lactobacillus<\/em>) is disrupted by \u201cbad\u201d bacteria. It\u2019s the most common vaginal condition<\/a> among women aged 15-44 [3]. BV is characterized by pain, discomfort, or itching in the vagina, \u201cfishy\u201d- smelling discharge that can be gray, white, or green, and a burning sensation during urination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BV can be caused by anything that disrupts the body\u2019s vaginal flora. This can include douching, having sex for the first time, women having sex with women, or having sex with multiple partners. In some cases, something as innocuous as scented soap or bubble bath can interfere with the vaginal flora and lead to BV. Smoking also raises BV risk [2]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is BV an STD or STI?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial vaginosis, while a vaginal infection, is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD, also known as a sexually transmitted infection or STI). BV is connected to sex because a new sexual partner, or multiple sexual partners, may introduce unfamiliar bacteria to the vaginal area, which can lead to the imbalance that we call BV. Those with BV are more susceptible to getting STDs, including HIV, and face a higher risk of infection after surgical abortion and hysterectomy [2].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, women who have had BV are more likely to develop pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause serious damage to reproductive organs and has been linked to infertility. BV is also associated with increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and postpartum fever [2].\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BV often comes back<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, if you\u2019ve had BV once, it\u2019s likely to pop up again (recurrence). While the mainline treatments cure up to 85% of women within one month, by 6 months, 50% of those women will have BV again [3]. What causes recurrence? According to a 2021 study, \u201cFactors including persistence of a BV-associated biofilm, failure to recolonise the vagina with lactobacilli, reinfection from an untreated partner, and host genetic and\/or immune factors may all play a role in recurrence\u201d [3].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Typically, bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics, either taken orally or topically (i.e., directly applied to the vaginal tissue). During treatment, women with BV should not have sex. A diet rich in probiotics<\/a> can also help alleviate symptoms and may help prevent recurrence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n