The Pill vs. The IUD

[MacGuffin]

So, my boyfriend and I were having a little debate last night over the effectiveness of the pill versus the IUD. He swears that the pill is just as effective, if not more effective than the IUD. He says he did the "research on it." I am pretty certain that the IUD is more effective; I mean, it can be equated with sterilization. So, what's the deal? Am I mistaken, or is my boyfriend incorrect in his reading?

[taylalatbh.]

I think they're both like 98% effective (if the pill is taken correctly). As long as you're taking one of them you should be alright though!

[C0co]

I personally wouldn't use an IUD because of the possible effects, but that's just me.

[herecomesthesun]

I have an IUD, which actually is 99.5% effective. The reason being is because with Paraguard (the copper one), the copper makes an environment that kills the sperm. What if that fails? Well, the arm on each side of the "T" shaped insert stops them from getting in the tubes. What if that fails and it still fertilizes an egg? Well, remember how an egg is much larger than a sperm -- the egg wouldn't be able to get back through the arms of the "T" to implant.

It lasts 10 years, can be taken out at any time, and you can get pregnant as soon as it out. Plus, as soon as it's in it's effective. The only down sides: 5% chance of expulsion during the first period with it, along with cramps and heavier bleeding. Besides that, all you have to do is check for the strings once in a while. They are very small and light, and can barely be felt during intimate times.

The price you pay for it up front is less for the years of pills anyways. I love it and don't regret it at all. There are hormonal ones, but I wanted something hormone free.