Copper IUD
What is a Copper IUD?
A copper IUD is a small device with a fine copper wire wrapped around a plastic frame. It’s placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A fine nylon thread is attached to the IUD. The thread comes out through the cervix into the top end of the vagina. There are two types of copper IUDs available in Australia – one lasts for
5 years and the other for 10 years.
How does the copper IUD work?
The IUD is placed inside your uterus by a doctor.
The copper IUD:
• is toxic to the egg and sperm which stops sperm from fertilising the egg
• slows the transport of the egg to delay chance of sperm and egg meeting
• changes the lining of the uterus to make it unable to support a fertilised egg
How well does the Copper IUD work?
The copper IUD is 99.5% effective.
Who can use the Copper IUD?
• most women who want a reliable, long term contraceptive
• women who haven’t had a pregnancy, have completed their families, or are spacing their pregnancies
• women who are breastfeeding
• women who cannot, or do not want to, use hormonal contraception because of medical conditions preference
When you should NOT use the Copper IUD?
• you think you might be pregnant
• you have had a recent infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• you have unusual bleeding from your vagina
• you have Wilson’s disease or you are allergic to copper
When to talk to your Doctor before having the Copper IUD
• if you have painful or heavy long lasting periods
• if you have anaemia (not enough iron in your blood)
• if you have had a recent sexually transmissible infection (STI)
• if you have fibroids or other conditions that change the shape of your uterus
• if you have had problems in the past with an IUD (for instance it has come out by itself)
• if you are unable to have a follow-up check-up after the IUD is put in Advantages
• It’s very effective • It can stay in place for 5 or 10 years depending on which one you choose
• The initial cost of a coper IUD is more than for other methods, but it lasts for 5 or 10 years so it works out to
be a reasonable price • It does not contain hormones so it has no hormonal side-effects
• Your fertility goes back to normal straight away when you take it out
• It can be used as emergency contraception if it is put in up to 5 days after unprotected sex
Disadvantages
• It doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• It requires a procedure to be put in and removed from the uterus; putting it in can be uncomfortable
• When the IUD is put in there is a small chance of: –
- difficulty inserting the IUD damage to the wall of the
- uterus infection
- It can sometimes come out by itself
- Your periods can be heavier and last longer
- You can have some irregular spot bleeding in the first few months
How do I get a Copper IUD?
Only a specially trained doctor or nurse can put in an IUD. You may need to make two visits.
- the doctor and/or nurse will ask questions about your health
- you might have a vaginal examination, a cervical screening test or a test for infection
- putting the IUD in takes about 10 minutes
- you may find it uncomfortable or painful and some women feel faint
- you can have a local anaesthetic. Some women have the IUD inserted under sedation. We are able offer pain relief to make your experience more comfortable.
After your Copper IUD is put in
- you may have cramps and bleeding or spotting in the first few days
- avoid sex, tampons, swimming and baths for 2 days to reduce the risk of infection
- go back for a check-up 4 to 6 weeks after the IUD is put in
- check the IUD threads each month after your period to make sure the IUD is still in the right place Things to remember with your Copper IUD
- check the threads each month after your period to make sure the IUD is still in the right place if you have any unusual symptoms (discharge from your vagina, pain low in your tummy or deep pain during sex) see your doctor straight away
- if you are worried you could be pregnant, have a pregnancy test
- if you or your partner have a new sexual partner, use a condom every time until you both have been checked for STIs
- keep a record of the date to take out your IUD – it shouldn’t stay in for longer than the recommended time
