IUD

THE COPPER IUD – AKA THE COPPER COIL

GOOD FOR THE LONG TERM, AND IN AN EMERGENCY.

AN IONIC CHOICE

The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that contains a copper thread. Also known as the copper coil, instead of hormones it releases copper ions that immobilize sperm and stop them from fertilizing the egg. Should a sperm manage to get through, the copper also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb lining, so you're still protected against pregnancy.

As no birth control method is for everyone, it's important to discuss the copper coil with your doctor or nurse first. Once you've decided a copper IUD is the right birth control method for you however, there's not much more for you to do. Your doctor or nurse will place it for you, and it will remain effective for five to 10 years.1,2 Once removed, fertility quickly returns to normal.

IUD

HOW IT MEASURES UP

99% 99%

>99%*3 EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

* Older types can be less effective, and effectiveness can be slightly reduced over 10 years of use.3
Since it is placed with a prescription by a doctor or nurse, possibility for error is very low and the efficacy of the copper coil is high. Should you have a concern about the placement of your copper IUD, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.

View 'Perfect' Use Efficacy Rate

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99% 99%

>99%3 EFFICACY WITH PERFECT USE

Placed with a prescription by a doctor or nurse and left in place for five to 10 years, the copper coil is a highly effective and reliable method of birth control.1,2

View 'Typical' Use Efficacy Rate

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HORMONES

No. The copper IUD releases no hormones, and instead uses copper ions to prevent pregnancy.

EASE OF USE

The copper IUD is placed in the womb by a doctor or nurse, and lasts for five to 10 years.1,2

YOUR PERIOD

Individuals with a copper IUD may experience heavier and longer bleeding with cramps.

COMPARE METHODS
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FAQ Questionmark

Is it painful to have a copper IUD placed?

The placement of a copper IUD is usually well tolerated by most. Your doctor or nurse may recommend local anesthesia in the cervix prior to placement to minimize discomfort. Some may experience some pain and dizziness after placement, but this usually settles after a short time.

FAQ Questionmark

Can the copper IUD fall out or get stuck in my womb?

The copper IUD must be placed by a doctor or nurse, who will ensure it is correctly positioned. Occasionally, muscle contractions during period can push it out of place or expel it, and very rarely it can perforate the wall of the womb. If you experience any unusual bleeding, pain or discomfort, you should consult your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

FAQ Questionmark

How long is it safe to use a copper IUD for?

A copper IUD can be left in place for five to 10 years.1,2 After this time, it will need to be replaced with a new device. If this method of birth control has worked well for you in this time, you can discuss continuing with the copper IUD with your doctor or nurse.

FAQ Questionmark

Can you wear a tampon with a copper IUD?

It is recommended to use pads. If you do use tampons, they should be changed more frequently and care should be taken not to pull the threads of the copper IUD when manipulating the tampon.

FAQ Questionmark

Will my partner or I feel the copper IUD during sex?

Neither you nor your partner should feel the copper IUD during sexual intercourse. If you do, you should avoid having sex until your doctor or nurse has checked that the copper IUD is still in the correct position.

FAQ Questionmark

How long do copper IUD cramps last?

For many, the cramps go away relatively quickly. But for others, they may last longer. Cramps should gradually decrease in severity but may continue on and off for the first few weeks after placement. Within the first three to six months, they should subside entirely.

FAQ Questionmark

I can't feel copper IUD strings. Should I?

As many as 18% can’t feel the copper IUD strings.4 They may be higher up in your vagina or coiled around your cervix, which is generally no cause for concern.

FAQ Questionmark

What should I expect after copper IUD removal?

You may experience some cramping, changes in your period, or moderate bleeding. If you’re concerned about any side effects after removal, contact your doctor.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Start preparing for the next appointment with your doctor or nurse today!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

5-101,2
YEARS

Up to 10 years of protection once fitted.1,2

>5
days5

The window of time a copper IUD can be placed when using as emergency birth control.

5
minutes3

The time it takes to fit a copper IUD.3

PROS

  • Highly effective and can be used for up to 10 years after a one-time placement experience.1,2
  • Allows spontaneous sex and does not interrupt it.6
  • Removable at any time, which returns your ability to get pregnant right away.
  • Hormone-free – it is an option for those who cannot or do not want to use hormones.6
  • An emergency birth control option to be used within five days (or in some cases more) after unprotected sex.
  • No need to remember using it once placed.
  • May be used while breastfeeding.
  • No further costs once placed.
  • Private – no one will know you’re using it.
  • Usable at any time during your cycle (if not pregnant).
  • May reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancer.
  • Hormone-free – it is an option for those who cannot or do not want to use hormones.6
  • An emergency birth control option to be used within five days (or in some cases more) after unprotected sex.
  • No need to remember using it once placed.
  • May be used while breastfeeding.
  • No further costs once placed.
  • Private – no one will know you’re using it.
  • Usable at any time during your cycle (if not pregnant).
  • May reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancer.

CONS

  • No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • You have to see a doctor or nurse to place or remove it.
  • Can cause some pain or cramping for a few days after placement – if this worries you, talk to your doctor or nurse about ways you can relieve the pain.
  • Longer, heavier, or irregular periods, and more cramps and pain, especially in the first three to six months can be experienced by some people.
  • Small risk of being pushed out.
  • Longer, heavier, or irregular periods, and more cramps and pain, especially in the first three to six months can be experienced by some people.
  • Small risk of being pushed out.

ARE YOU OFTEN WORRIED ABOUT BLEEDING ACCIDENTS ON YOUR PERIOD?

Find out if you might have heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and learn about its causes and treatments.

LEARN IF YOU HAVE HMB

EFFECTIVENESS

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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2 PREGNANCIES
PER 1000

people in the first year of typical use1

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
     
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8 PREGNANCIES
PER 1000

people in the first year of typical use1

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
      the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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1 PREGNANCy
PER 1000

people in the first year of typical use1

RETURN TO FERTILITY

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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Immediate

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
     
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Immediate

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
    the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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Immediate

IMPACT ON PERIOD

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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Can cause spotting and irregular
patterns, and make them lighter,
shorter, or stop altogether.

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
      
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Can make them heavier, longer, or
irregular, and increase
pain and cramps.

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
    the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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Can cause irregularity, followed by
lighter, less frequent bleeding, or
no bleeding at all.

HORMONES

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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Yes. No estrogen, but a low dose of
progestin.

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
      
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No. Only copper.
 

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
    the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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Yes. No estrogen, but progestin.
 

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References

  • NICE. What types of intrauterine contraception are available in the UK? https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/contraception-ius-iud/background-information/types/ [Accessed April 2023] Return to content
  • Paragard. Paragard Prescribing Information. https://www.paragard.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/PARAGARD-PI.pdf [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • NHS. How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-contraception/ [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • Prabhakaran S and Chuang A. Contraception 2011;83(2):102-106 Return to content
  • NHS. Emergency contraception (morning after pill, IUD). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/emergency-contraception/#:~:text=The%20IUD%20can%20be%20fitted,use%20the%20IUD%20get%20pregnant [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • NHS. Intrauterine device (IUD). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/iud-coil/ [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content

Is It Okay?

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Image of a Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

Image of a Sponge

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Image of spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawal method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilization

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilization
COMPARE METHODS

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Last updated on 21/02/2020

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