Copper IUD | |
---|---|
Background | |
Type | Intrauterine |
First use | 1970s[1] |
Trade names | copper-T, ParaGard, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | FDA Professional Drug Information |
Failure rates (first year) | |
Perfect use | 0.6%[2] |
Typical use | 0.8%[2] |
Usage | |
Duration effect | 5–12+ years[1] |
Reversibility | rapid[1] |
User reminders | Check thread position after each period. Have removed shortly after menopause, if not before. |
Clinic review | Annually |
Advantages and disadvantages | |
STI protection | No |
Periods | May be heavier and more painful[3] |
Benefits | Unnecessary to take any daily action. Emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days |
Risks | Small risk of PID in first 20 days following insertion.[3] Rarely, uterine perforation. |
A copper intrauterine device (IUD), also known as an intrauterine coil or copper coil or non-hormonal IUD, is a type of intrauterine device which contains copper.[3] It is used for birth control and emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex.[3] It is one of the most effective forms of birth control with a one-year failure rate around 0.7%.[4] The device is placed in the uterus and lasts up to twelve years.[3][1][5] It may be used for contraception regardless of age or previous pregnancy.[6] Following removal, fertility quickly returns.[1]
Common side effects include heavy menstrual periods. Rarely the device may come out.[3] It is less recommended for people at high risk of sexually transmitted infections as it may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in the first three weeks after insertion.[6] It is recommended for people who don't tolerate or hardly tolerate hormonal contraceptives. If someone becomes pregnant with an IUD in place, removal is recommended.[6] Very rarely, uterine perforation may occur during insertion, or the device may become embedded into the uterine wall.[1] The copper IUD is a type of long-acting reversible birth control.[4] It primarily works by killing the sperm.[1]
The copper IUD came into medical use in the 1970s.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7] They are estimated to be used by more than 170 million people globally.[8][9]