IUD Abortive?

[Jennifer123]

Unfortunately, some medical professionals fail to see the significance of this potential because there is no direct evidence or they use the medical definition of pregnancy.

The information Autumn has given is correct, however, I do want to say that we as pro-lifers should insist that life begins at conception, not implantation.

The implantation idea is one borne from the pro-abortive movement in response to this information about the thinning endometrium and inhospitability to hosting the embryo. It is primarily driven by ideology IMHO and has only gained acceptance in the last 30 years or so:

lifeissues.net/writers/kisc/kisc_04whenlifebegins1.html
"
The idea that pregnancy begins at implantation of the embryo in the uterus was generated more than 3 decades ago. At that time there were concerns about the actions of chemical contraceptives. Albert Rosenfeld wrote in his book: “Second Genesis” (1969):

Because these substances do not prevent the sperm from penetrating and fertilizing the ovum - the classic definition of conception - they are not strictly contraceptives. What they do is prevent the newly fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterus. Since the interference occurs after conception, some hold that such practice constitutes abortion. A way around this impasse has been suggested by Dr. A.S. Parkes of Cambridge: Equate conception with the time of implantation rather than the time of fertilization - a difference of only a few days" 3 (my emphasis). Thus, a fact of science gave way to political correctness."

Most scientists, especially most Embryologists, regardless of ideology, agree that a human being begins at conception. If you need citations for this, please let me know.

 

[Marina14]

lists prevention of implantation under Clinical Pharmacology. The prescribing information is provided by the company for medical professionals. Just scroll down to the heading clinical pharmacology. It states: …Possible mechanism(s) by which copper enhances contraceptive efficacy include interference with sperm transport, or fertilization, and prevention of implantation.

This will work perfectly provided this is the type of IUD she is using.

From Mirena physician information:
Studies of MIRENA prototypes have suggested several mechanisms that prevent pregnancy: thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium.

This doesn’t say anything about the inability to implant after conception. This is killing me! There has got to be something more!

From Planned Parenthood:
IUDs also alter the lining of the uterus. In theory, this may prevent pregnancy by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg — but this has not been scientifically proven.

The fact that it specifically says there is no scientific proof of this makes it unusable.

 

[Marina14]

Check your other thread over in the Family Life area - you have answers

I did check, so far the only answer is if she is using ParaGard. So far no answer if she is using the Mirena IUD.

 

[lizaanne]

I did check, so far the only answer is if she is using ParaGard. So far no answer if she is using the Mirena IUD.

So why the need for two threads? Ask your questions there please, where the discussion is already taking place.

~Liza

 

[kage_ar]

Call your sister and ask her what brand of IUD she is using, then, go to the web site and download the information.

 

[Lady_D_I]

alteration of the endometrium.

The alteration prevents implantation. It thins the lining of the uterus. Well, there is no sceintific proof this prevents implantation. I have Contraceptive Tech and some other contraceptive resources from the prescribing days.

 

[Jennifer123]

The alteration prevents implantation. It thins the lining of the uterus. Well, there is no sceintific proof this prevents implantation. I have Contraceptive Tech and some other contraceptive resources from the prescribing days.

There is no proof it doesn’t not prevent implantation as well, but it’s interesting that one of the treatments for infertility is to try to increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken the lining:

illinoisivf.com/recurrent-pregnancy-loss/pre-implantation.html
"Significant improvement of the thickness of the uterine lining in about 70% of women treated. Successful pregnancy resulted in 42% of women who had previously experienced repeated IVF failures and who responded to the Viagra. "

However, with IUD’s there is ovulation, there is always a chance for fertilization, so even the chance of chemical abortion, and the health effects thereof, should be troubling.

 

[ThereCanBeOnly1]

Just discovered that my little sister, wife and mother of 2 beautiful children, is using the IUD method of birth control.
I’ve heard that this is an abortive form of birth control; however, she tells me that her Doctor who is also a faithful member of her Church and is against abortion has told her that the IUD is NOT abortive. Because of her relationship with this Christian Doctor, she trusts him.
Where can I obtain proof which comes from a professional doctor(s) or a professional medical source which shows in detail that the IUD IS in fact an abortive form of birth control?
Thanks, in advance, for any and all help given here.

It is abortive and of course is a mode of Contraception.

An IUD, or better known as an IntraUterine** D**evice, causes a localized inflammatory response where it is placed. This prevents a ‘conceptus’ from implanting and thus it aborts. Since fertilization has already occurred and he IUD prevents the implatation in the Uterus, the conceptus or fetus aborts.

Hence an IUD is an ‘Abortifacient’.

There are many shapes and components of IUDs***. The action still appears to be a “post-fertilization effect” abortive,*** in that they prevent a developing human being, already fertilized in the Fallopian tube, from attaching itself to the endometrium of the uterus.

"An intrauterine device (IUD) inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix usually interferes with implantation by causing a local inflammatory reaction. Some IUDs contain progesterone that is slowly released and interferes with the development of the endometrium so that implantation does not usually occur." (p. 58)(Keith Moore and T.V.N. Persaud, The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology, 6th ed., Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Comp. 1998. (this reference text is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, Embryology texts used in medical schools and by physicians for the study of Embryology)

 

[Lady_D_I]

There is no proof it doesn’t not prevent implantation as well,

Thank you for explaining the significance of the endometrium. I was in a hurry to get DD to dance and my post was rushed. The alternation in endometrium is believed to prevent implantation.

As kage_ar posted from webmd:
LNg IUD. This IUD prevents fertilization by damaging or killing sperm and making the mucus in the cervix thick and sticky, so sperm can’t get through to the uterus. It also keeps the lining of the uterus (endometrium) from growing very thick.1 This makes the lining a poor place for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. The hormones in the LNg IUD also relieve irregular menstrual bleeding and cramping.
The info from webmd is from Grimes DA (2004). Intrauterine devices (IUDs). In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 18th ed., pp. 495–530. New York: Ardent Media

God bless you Marina.

 

[Marina14]

Thank you for explaining the significance of the endometrium. I was in a hurry to get DD to dance and my post was rushed. The alternation in endometrium is believed to prevent implantation.

As kage_ar posted from webmd:
LNg IUD. This IUD prevents fertilization by damaging or killing sperm and making the mucus in the cervix thick and sticky, so sperm can’t get through to the uterus. It also keeps the lining of the uterus (endometrium) from growing very thick.1 This makes the lining a poor place for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. The hormones in the LNg IUD also relieve irregular menstrual bleeding and cramping.
The info from webmd is from Grimes DA (2004). Intrauterine devices (IUDs). In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 18th ed., pp. 495–530. New York: Ardent Media

God bless you Marina.

Thank you. Please pray for my sister, I call her Lou or Lou-lou (a nick name I gave her when she was a baby), that God opens her heart to believe what will be presented to her and that she will turn away from the practice of the use of the IUD. (And that perhaps, she be the 1 of 1000 women whose IUD comes out on it’s own! )

 

[Jennifer123]

Thank you for explaining the significance of the endometrium. I was in a hurry to get DD to dance and my post was rushed. The alternation in endometrium is believed to prevent implantation.

Sure - I assumed as much but still didn’t want it left hanging, so I appreciate you letting me “finish your thought”.

 

[Lady_D_I]

Sure - I assumed as much but still didn’t want it left hanging, so I appreciate you letting me “finish your thought”.

Unfortunately, I am leaving more and more of those unfinished thoughts. I wish you were around to finish my thoughts at other times.

Thank you. Please pray for my sister, I call her Lou or Lou-lou (a nick name I gave her when she was a baby), that God opens her heart to believe what will be presented to her and that she will turn away from the practice of the use of the IUD.

I will absolutely pray for her! Lou-lou (I like that) is blessed to have you!!!

 

[ThereseMarie]

Just discovered that my little sister, wife and mother of 2 beautiful children, is using the IUD method of birth control.
I’ve heard that this is an abortive form of birth control; however, she tells me that her Doctor who is also a faithful member of her Church and is against abortion has told her that the IUD is NOT abortive. Because of her relationship with this Christian Doctor, she trusts him.
Where can I obtain proof which comes from a professional doctor(s) or a professional medical source which shows in detail that the IUD IS in fact an abortive form of birth control?
Thanks, in advance, for any and all help given here.

Marina,

Go to the website for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG.org) and search ‘IUD’. Being a retired ob/gyn doc, I can tell you without a doubt that the IUD can cause abortion; that is one of its mechanisms of action. Furthermore, it can be and has been used soley for the purpose of causing an abortion. Her doctor should know this…

Sincerely,

 

[Lady_D_I]

Marina,

Go to the website for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG.org) and search ‘IUD’. Being a retired ob/gyn doc, I can tell you without a doubt that the IUD can cause abortion; that is one of its mechanisms of action. Furthermore, it can be and has been used soley for the purpose of causing an abortion. Her doctor should know this…

Sincerely,

Marina, here is the brochure from ACOG on the IUD (thanks ThereseMarie). I don’t usually recommend ACOG’s brochure’s since some of the info is not current, but this is consistent with the prescribing information and current evidence.

 

[Jellie]

I work in the medical field, and it isn’t rare that women with IUDs have ectopics and miscarry. An OB-GYN could attest that this is true. Her own physician may even admit that this occurs.

 

[SapphireRose]

Here is a scientific article you might find useful. It promotes the use of IUD’s as an effective contraceptive method, but under the 3rd paragraph under “Implantation” under the section “Potential sites of IUD action” it states: "Thus, both clinical and experimental evidence suggests that IUDs can prevent and disrupt implantation. It is unlikely, however, that this is the main IUD mode of action…" The article is from Human Reproduction Update, Vol 14, No.3 pp. 197-208, 2008 and it’s available for free on the web. The link is:

humupd.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/14/3/197?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Intrauterine+devices+and+intrauterine+systems&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT#SEC4

Just because disruption of implantation of a fertilization egg is not the PRIMARY mechanism of action to prevent a clinically recognized pregnancy does not mean that it does not occur in some instances. Therefore, IUDs have the potential to be abortifacients if the primary mechanisms fail to act. The two articles I included here on IUDs present sufficient evidence to convince me that these secondary mechanisms do in fact occur in some instances.

The other article is from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2002; 187: 1699-708) that deals with estimating the pre- and post-fertilization effects of IUDs. You have to pay to gain access to the full text, but the abstract is free. Link: ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2802%2900493-3/abstract

You may also be interested in another article published in the archives of family medicine that mentions the post-fertilization effects of IUDs. “Postfertilization Effects of Oral Contraceptives and Their Relationship to Informed Consent.” This article focuses, however, more on the effects of the OCP. Arch Fam Med Vol 9, Feb 2000. Full text free, available here: archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/2/126

Hope that helps and God bless! Keep praying; He alone has the power to change our hearts, but whatever little you try to do will help.

 

[CalliopeTrout]

I went on the ParaGard website and searched around. When I clicked “How It Works” it gave a 2 or 3 sentence simple answer. I searched more. I went to the FAQ and found a downloadable .pdf with a LOT of fine print.

Here’s what I found pertaining to the issue of copper IUDs being possible abortifacients:

How does ParaGard® work?
Ideas about how ParaGard® works include preventing sperm from reaching the egg, preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg, and preventing the egg from attaching (implanting) in the uterus. ParaGard® does not stop your ovaries from making an egg (ovulating) each month.

There ya go!

 

[Listener]

I’m certainly not an expert on IUD’s, but I’m not sure anything positive is gained by imagining that women with IUD’s are terrible sinners who are having a monthly abortion.

It is not uncommon for a woman to know when she is ovulating. Some women get a specific pain when this happens. Since the IUD is in the uterus and not in the fallopian tubes, wouldn’t a woman with an IUD know whether or not she has ovulated?

It may be that years ago an IUD worked by causing an early abortion. This may not be as true any more because at least some of them secrete hormones that suppress ovulation.

If there are any women here who have used an IUD in the past, perhaps they could tell us whether they thought they were ovulating or not.

Back in the 1950’s, before the era of the pill, female problems were almost always solved by hysterectomy. This was always okay with the Church, as long as it was medically necessary.

Nowadays, it is much less likely that a woman will have to have a hysterectomy if she has female problems. Now they use uterine ablation and procedures similar to it. They also use pills, shots, implants, and yes, IUD’s that secrete hormones.

I don’t think we should think of people as having abortions unless we are sure that they really had one.

 

[Sillara]

I’m certainly not an expert on IUD’s, but I’m not sure anything positive is gained by imagining that women with IUD’s are terrible sinners who are having a monthly abortion.

It is not uncommon for a woman to know when she is ovulating. Some women get a specific pain when this happens. Since the IUD is in the uterus and not in the fallopian tubes, wouldn’t a woman with an IUD know whether or not she has ovulated?

It may be that years ago an IUD worked by causing an early abortion. This may not be as true any more because at least some of them secrete hormones that suppress ovulation.

If there are any women here who have used an IUD in the past, perhaps they could tell us whether they thought they were ovulating or not.

Back in the 1950’s, before the era of the pill, female problems were almost always solved by hysterectomy. This was always okay with the Church, as long as it was medically necessary.

Nowadays, it is much less likely that a woman will have to have a hysterectomy if she has female problems. Now they use uterine ablation and procedures similar to it. They also use pills, shots, implants, and yes, IUD’s that secrete hormones.

I don’t think we should think of people as having abortions unless we are sure that they really had one.

I have quite severe “female problems”, and an IUD was recommended by my doctor. I looked into IUDs. The Mirena coil was the one most highly recommended to me as helpful, and, yes, it secretes hormones. It also runs the risk of aborting a baby conceived despite the hormone secretions. I could not justify it.

I am considering a hysterectomy, and I am in the meantime suffering through the severe problems. I do NOT want to know that I might have aborted my husband’s and my child.

 

[choose_to_love]

First post in this thread was almost five years ago, OP is now banned - - time for a new thread, everyone?