Its one of five alternative contraceptive methods that I recommend in my bookPeriod Repair Manual.
It can cause the well-known side effects of pain and heavier periods.
It can also cause the lesser-known side effect of an altered vaginal microbiome.
Here’s what you better know.
What you should probably know about the vaginal microbiome.
Just like your gut, your vagina is full of good bacteria.
Its called thevaginal microbiome1, and it consists primarily of lactic-acid-producing bacteria from the genusLactobacillus.
A healthy vaginal microbiome protects against infection by discouraging the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast, and viruses.
It also keeps the vagina acidic and stimulates the right kind of mucus production.
The scientific link between the copper IUD and bacterial vaginosis.
It affects almost one in three women and is typically treated with antibiotics.
The link between the copper IUD and BV is not new.
Women have reported the problem since the IUD was first invented 50 years ago.
Scientists finally looked at it last year and discovered that yes,copper IUDs double the risk of BV3.
I suspect theres more to the story than just heavy flow.
Copper IUDs may have additional direct effects on the microbiome that we have yet to discover.
What to do.
Right now you might be thinking “Great, one more thing I have to worry about.”
If you’re interested in otherforms of birth control, functional doctors shared their personal approaches with us.
Have questions aboutsexual health?
Here’swhat holistic health experts think about the jade egg.
