Quote Originally Posted by Grog View Post
In Europe very many women, married or not, have IUDs. It seems to be in part a cultural thing NOT to have them much in North America. The risks that Dianyla mentions are indeed real, but they by no way should be thought to be limited to unmarried women!!
Oh, and another thing... in Europe they also offer a smaller petite sized IUD that works much better for women who have never been pregnant. I have IUD Envy!!!

I think the US is culturally biased against IUDs because of the Dalkon Shield incident. More than once when I've told people what I use they get a shocked look on their face and say "I thought those IUD thingies were banned years ago!!!".

Not to mention, I have some personal conspiracy theory beliefs that IUDs are simply not as profitable to the Big Pharm companies and therefore they are not marketed and sold as aggressively. Think about it... $500 for a device that lasts 12 years? Compared to how much revenue for monthly oral contraceptive refills? Hmmm...