Copper IUD
Copper IUD
AKA
IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil
Efficacy
99.2% typical; 99.4% perfect
Routine
5-10 years
STI protection
No
Pros
Low maintenance, reversible, long-lasting, cost-effective, non-hormonal, can be used as emergency contraception.
Cons
Doctor required to insert / remove, may be associated with more severe menstrual cramps and heavier periods, small risk of perforation and expulsion.
How does the Copper IUD work?
The Copper IUD works by releasing very low levels of copper ions. Copper ions affect sperm motility, which means that the sperm struggle to move properly. Its secondary effect is to stop fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall. One thing to be aware of is that Copper IUDs can potentially increase the likelihood of period cramps or increased bleeding, so if you already struggle with menstruation discuss this with your doctor before committing.
Tip: Ensure that insertion and removal are as effective and painless as possible by going to a professional proceduralist for insertion of the Copper IUD.
How do I use the Copper IUD?
Step 1: Because the Copper IUD is a method of LARC, you don’t need to do anything except show up for the insertion and removal.
Step 2: Once the IUD is inside your uterus, you can forget about it for up to 10 years, before you need to replace it.
Step 3: If you change your mind at any point during those 10 years, you can simply make an appointment to have it removed. Simple, right?
Explore more methods
MALE CONDOM
(Rubber, Prophylactic)
Condoms are a barrier that’s placed on an erect penis to prevent contact with the vulva and vaginal canal.
FEMALE CONDOM
(Femidom)
The female condom wraps the inside of the vaginal canal and covers the vulva, preventing a penis from coming into contact with either.
DIAPHRAGM
(Caya)
A diaphragm is a small cap that sits at the entrance to your cervix and prevents sperm from getting through.
THE PILL
(Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Contraceptive Pill)
The pill contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, and to thicken cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
THE MINI PILL
(Progestogen Only Pill)
The mini pill contains progestogen which prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous, stopping sperm from getting through into the uterus.
VAGINAL RING
(Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring)
A thin band that contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, preventing sperm from getting through.
IMPLANT
(Rod, Bar, Contraceptive Implant)
A small bar inserted into the upper arm that slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream; preventing ovulation, and thickening the cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
INJECTION
(Jab)
A 150mg dose of progestogen hormone, it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through.
HORMONAL IUD
(Intrauterine System, IUS)
Releases small quantities of progestogen to your reproductive system. This thickens the mucous of your cervix, so sperm can’t get through.
COPPER IUD
(IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil)
Releases very low levels of copper ions which affect sperm’s ability to move. Also stops fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall.
TUBAL LIGATION
(Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation)
Surgically creating a block so any potential sperm can’t gain passage along the fallopian tubes.
VASECTOMY
(The Snip, Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
(FAM, Rhythm Method, Calendar Method, Period tracking)
A system of monitoring when ovulation occurs and making sure unprotected sex only occurs on days of minimal fertility.
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
(Pull out method, Coitus Interruptus)
The act of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS
(Morning After Pill)
Works by preventing or delaying ovulation, ensuring any viable sperm will be out of the body by the time an egg is released.