00:00Oh, we're just going to have you like...
00:01One apple, take one.
00:04Hi, I'm Gigi Engel, a certified sex educator,
00:08and I'll be walking you through the ABCs of contraception,
00:11something I happen to be an expert in.
00:13And today, I'm here with Refinery29 as your teacher, researcher, sex educator, and BFF
00:19to address some of the commonly asked questions, and also to debunk some myths
00:23surrounding one of the most popular types of birth control, the IUD.
00:27I'll be chatting with you today about the benefits of the Paragard IUD,
00:31the only one that's on the market that's 100% hormone-free.
00:35Yes, you heard that right, no hormones.
00:38I'm not a mind reader, but I'm pretty sure you're thinking,
00:41come on, a birth control without hormones?
00:43Yes, it's 100% hormone-free.
00:46First, let's understand what an IUD actually is.
00:50IUD stands for interuterine device.
00:52This means it's a small birth control method that's inserted right into your uterus.
00:56Women love this form of birth control because you don't have to remember to pop a pill every day
01:01or keep a condom in your purse.
01:02It's more of a fix-it-and-forget-it option.
01:05Paragard IUD is a small device that's shaped like a T and is completely hormone-free.
01:09Its primary ingredient, being copper, works to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it.
01:15Now, let's get into the fun stuff.
01:17We'll be paying a little game for this portion where I'll read out some questions
01:21and share whether it's fact or fiction.
01:24The placement of an IUD can cause discomfort.
01:28Fact.
01:30Well, sometimes.
01:32Although it's normal to feel some cramping or bleeding during or after placement,
01:35it's usually mild.
01:37It can be uncomfortable for some women, and that experience will ultimately vary.
01:41Paragard can be placed in minutes right in your doctor's office, and you can always ask your doctor what to
01:46expect.
01:47Paragard has lots of active ingredients.
01:51Fiction.
01:52Paragard is one simple active ingredient.
01:55No hormones.
01:56Not an ounce.
01:57Paragard works using one simple active ingredient, copper, instead of artificial hormones.
02:02An IUD can be felt by your partner during sex.
02:06Fiction.
02:07Well, again, this is kind of a gray area.
02:10The short answer is probably not.
02:12Remember that the IUD is placed in your uterus, not your vagina.
02:16That said, in some cases, a woman's partner may be able to feel those threads.
02:21If it's uncomfortable or painful, go see your doctor.
02:24When I decide I want to conceive, Paragard is easily reversible.
02:29Fact.
02:29Because Paragard doesn't stop you from ovulating or prevent your natural cycle, you can ask your doctor to remove your
02:35IUD and start to try to conceive immediately.
02:38My cycle will be affected by Paragard.
02:41Fiction.
02:42Your cycle remains the same, and you keep ovulating, so you don't experience any of the hormone-related side effects
02:48that you experience on other forms of birth control.
02:50I can trust Paragard to work once it's inserted.
02:54Fact.
02:55Good news about Paragard is that women have been using it for more than 30 years.
02:59It's a pretty tried-and-true form of contraception.
03:02Once inserted, an IUD is working hard behind the scenes to prevent pregnancy.
03:06Nothing is 100% effective, but this IUD comes pretty close at 99%.
03:10Please note that it is 0% effective when it comes to protecting you against HIV or STDs, so don't
03:16forget to use other precautions there.
03:18Paragard is an affordable option for contraception.
03:22Fact.
03:22Most women will pay $0 for Paragard.
03:25If you have insurance, most plans cover it in full.
03:28Your doctor's office can help you navigate this process.
03:30Alright friends, I hope you've enjoyed this myth-busting video.
03:34And hopefully learned some valuable knowledge that will help you make the right decision about your birth control.
03:39Once you have information in hand, it's important to talk to your doctor.
03:42And together, the two of you can determine what is the best method of birth control for you.
03:46Gigi Angle out.
03:48Are we done?
03:49Did you get it?
03:51Yeah.
03:52Guys?
04:18All right.
04:20Is it?
04:21Do you feel me so?
04:23Let's get there.
