Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Advantages of the Copper IUD
• More than 99 percent effective
• Lasts up to 10 years
• Safe with breastfeeding
• Completely reversible
• Works immediately upon insertion
• Can be used as emergency contraception
• Can be put in right after giving birth
Disadvantages of the Copper IUD
• Spotting between periods for the first several
months after it is put in is common
• Cramping and some discomfort at the time it
is put in
• Some women have heavier, longer periods.
Risks of using the Copper IUD
• Perforation: It is rare, but an IUD can be pushed
into and through the wall of the uterus while it is
being put in. This is called perforation. Sometimes
surgery is needed to remove the IUD.
• Expulsion: Sometimes the IUD can partly or
completely slip out of the uterus. This is called
expulsion. You can become pregnant if it happens.
• Pregnancy: The risk of pregnancy with an IUD
is very small. If it does happen, there is a higher
risk of tubal pregnancy, infection, miscarriage, and
early labor and delivery. These problems can be life-
threatening and we recommend that the IUD be
taken out if this happens.
• Infection: It is very rare, but the IUD can be
linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Most
PID happens within three weeks of insertion. It
is linked to sexually transmitted infections (STI)
like chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Infection after three
weeks is very rare.
The Copper IUD should not used by women who:
• Have or think they may have an STI (sexually
transmitted infection) or a pelvic infection
• Have had a pelvic infection in the last three
months
• Have cervical or uterine cancer that has not
been treated
• Have certain defects of the uterus
• Have an allergy to copper
• Have Wilson’s disease
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding that they have
not discussed with their health care provider
Tell your health care provider if you have any of these
risk factors, conditions or any other medical concerns.
Insertion of the Copper IUD
The Copper IUD is put into your uterus by a health
care provider after a pelvic exam. The IUD is inserted
through the opening in your cervix into the uterus.
Short strings will hang inside your vagina that you
and your health care provider can feel to make sure
the IUD is in place. You may feel cramping while it
is being put in. Speak with your health care provider
about what to do if you have pain.
The Copper Intrauterine Device (Copper IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic device wrapped in copper with two
strings attached. The Copper IUD slowly releases copper into the uterus preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
The copper IUD does not have any hormones.
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