Copper IUD - Common Questions Answered

What is an Intrauterine Device?

Intrauterine device (IUD) is a birth control device that is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It lasts for up to 3 to 12 years, is one of the most effective methods of birth control, and depending on the type have a failure rate of about 0.1 and 2.2 % after one year of use. There are two types of IUD:

1. Hormonal IUD - Contains copper.

2. Copper IUD - Contains hormone progestogen.

What is Copper T?

An intrauterine device with a T-shaped plastic body with copper wrapped around its stem is called copper T or intrauterine coil. It is used as a birth control method, and it can also be used as an emergency contraceptive if it is inserted within five days after unprotected intercourse. It can be used by women of all ages, irrespective of any previous pregnancies. If the individual decides to get pregnant, then fertility returns quickly after the device is removed.

How Does Copper IUD Work?

Copper IUD works by affecting the sperm and preventing them from fertilizing the egg. It is believed that copper increases the levels of copper ions, prostaglandins, and white blood cells in the uterine and tubal fluids, thus acting as a spermicide.

It also affects the transportation of egg in the fallopian tube and also changes the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an embryo to attach and grow.

How Effective is Copper IUD as Birth Control?

Copper T is one of the best birth control method available because there is no chance of making any mistake. It is not a pill, so you do not have to remember to take it every day. Once you get a copper IUD, depending on the type, you will have 24 hours of protection every day for 3 to 12 years, which is 99 % effective.

How Effective is Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception?

Copper T if placed within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex, it is almost 99.9 % effective in preventing pregnancy.

What are the Advantages of Copper IUD?

The advantages are:

• They are 99 % effective.

• They can be used for up to 10 years.

• No need to take any pills.

• It can be used while breastfeeding.

• You can get pregnant quickly after you get it removed.

• It is comparatively less expensive, as you do have to spend anything apart from the time of insertion.

How is Copper IUD Inserted?

It can be inserted at any time during the menstrual period, but the best time is right after the periods. The cervix is softest during this period and the chances of the lady being pregnant are less. The doctor will take a thorough history to know if you have any risk factors for infections, and he or she will conduct a physical examination.

During the day of insertion, the doctor will determine the position of the uterus and will hold the vagina open with an instrument called speculum. Then the cervix and uterus are stabilized, and the IUD is placed using a narrow tube. Short strings attached to the device hang down from the uterus to the vagina. This string is used to ensure if the device is in place later and to allow easy removal by the doctor.

Are there any Side Effects?

Some of the side effects are:

• Perforation - In rare cases while inserting the IUD, it can perforate the uterus wall and damage other internal organs. Surgery is needed to remove the IUD.

• Infection - In the first 21 days after insertion, there is a risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The chances of PID increases with the presence of infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• Expulsion - In 2.2 to 11.4 % users, the copper IUD can be expelled from the uterus spontaneously. The signs of possible expulsion are abnormal vaginal discharge, cramping, abdominal pain, spotting, pain during sex, and lengthening or absence of the strings.

• Cramping - Due to dilation of the cervix during insertion of the device, most women have pain and cramping.

• Heavy periods - Most women experience heavier periods after inserting the device. There is approximately 20 to 50 % increase in the menstrual bleeding, which is one of the leading reason for IUD removal.

• Spotting between periods - In the first few months after placing the IUD, some people experience irregular bleeding and spotting.

• Pregnancy - The rates of ectopic pregnancy is high with IUD. If pregnancy occurs while using IUD, there are more chances of miscarriage and early delivery.

• Problems with the strings - Some men report feeling the string during sex. In such cases, the string is trimmed a little, but then it makes it difficult for the women to check for signs of expulsion.

When is Copper IUD contraindicated?

Copper IUDs are not recommended for the following women:

• Pregnant women.

• Women with untreated cervical or uterine cancer.

• Women who have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

• Women with uterine abnormalities.

• People with multiple sexual partners because of the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

• Women with copper allergy.

• Pelvic infection patients.

• Wilson’s disease patients.

• In cases of pelvic tuberculosis.

What are Frameless IUDs?

A frameless IUD does not have the conventional T-shaped plastic frame, which makes up the body of the IUD. This change was made to reduce the side effects like expulsion and discomfort after insertion.

Do Copper IUDs Prevent STDs?

No, copper IUD is only a birth control method and it does nothing to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So it is advisable to use condoms and avoid multiple sexual partners to prevent getting infected.

Always talk to your gynecologist while choosing a birth control method. Depending on your condition and other factors, the doctor can help you choose the best birth control method. To consult a doctor, you can post queries and book real-time video consultations online.