I just had my copper IUD removed after having had it for over two years and I can tell you that the side effects are NOT negligible. This young woman needs to do some research on womens' forums before she chooses a long-term method. Doctors, particularly male doctors, neither know nor care about the side effects of the IUD. Women who have had them for years are a better resource to consult, and there are plenty of places on the web where TIMELY can find testimonials and information-sharing from women who've been there.

Ugh, I had my copper IUD removed after one year. It gave me extremely painful, long and horror-movie gruesome periods. Not to mention, putting something up your cervix is INCREDIBLY painful for a woman who has not already given birth, which is why they are recommended for women who already have. Not the best idea for a virgin.