Non-Hormonal Copper IUD

The copper IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to 5 – 10 years (depending on the type). A copper IUD can be used for contraception until menopause if inserted when you are 40 years of age or older.

If you are using the copper IUD for emergency contraception, you need to use it within 5 days or 120 hours after unprotected sex.

IUDs affect the way sperm move and survive in the uterus (womb), stopping sperm from meeting and fertilising an egg. Copper IUDs can also change the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to stick to the lining to start a pregnancy.

The copper IUD is inserted inside the uterus (womb) by a trained doctor or nurse. You can choose to have a local anaesthetic or sedation while it is inserted. The IUD insertion takes around 15 minutes but you will be in the clinic for an hour or more. See below for a video about IUDs and how to help prepare for and manage pain from an IUD insertion.

The IUD has a fine nylon string attached to it which comes out through the cervix (opening to the uterus/womb). The string cannot be seen and it does not hang out of the vagina. If you feel high up inside your vagina, you can check that the string is there and know the IUD is still in place. It is good to do this every month. If the string feels like it is shorter or longer than normal or you cannot feel the string at all, the IUD may have shifted and you should see a doctor or nurse.

When the copper IUD is inserted (put in) it starts working straight away to prevent pregnancy.

Your doctor or nurse will provide a script which you can take to the pharmacy, who will sell you the copper IUD. Sometimes you can buy the IUD from the clinic. You will need to return to the clinic to have the IUD inserted.

The copper IUD might not work if it:

• falls out (remember to check for the strings regularly)
• goes into the wrong position
• is left in for longer than 5-10 years, depending on the type used.

• It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
• Once inserted (put in) you will only need to check the string each month.
• It can last up to 10 years.
• You can use it while breastfeeding.
• No medications stop it from working.
• The device can be taken out at any time by a doctor or nurse.
• Once removed your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
• It is a choice for those who do not want to use hormonal contraception.

• When it is first inserted some users have period type cramping that usually settles after a few days.
• Your vaginal bleeding pattern (period) will change. Spotting can occur in the first 3 months. This nearly always settles with time and your regular bleeding pattern will return. For most users, periods are about 50% heavier.
• Sometimes the IUD can fall out. This is more common in the first 3 months of it being inserted.

• In about 1 in 500 users, the doctor or nurse makes a small hole in the wall of the uterus (womb) while inserting the IUD. The IUD can move through the hole and sit in the wrong place. You would then need keyhole surgery to have it removed.
• Around 1 in 300 users get an infection when the IUD is first inserted. This is usually successfully treated with antibiotics.
• It is very unlikely you will get pregnant when using copper IUD. If you do get pregnant with a copper IUD, there is a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy. This means that the pregnancy may settle in the fallopian tubes (pathway of the egg to uterus).

• Heavy periods.
• Low iron levels.
• A uterus (womb) that is not the usual shape.

If you cannot feel the IUD strings, you can abstain from sex or use condoms until a doctor or nurse confirms the IUD is in the right place. If you have had unprotected sex in the 5 days before you notice the string missing, you might need emergency contraception.

Once the copper IUD is in for more than 5 – 10 years (depending on the type), you can abstain from sex or use condoms until you can have it replaced. If you have unprotected sex and your IUD has been in for more than 5 – 10 years, you might need emergency contraception.

It is important that you see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible and have the IUD removed. The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a pregnancy in your fallopian tubes (ectopic pregnancy). If the IUD is removed, you can continue the pregnancy or have an abortion. If the IUD cannot be removed and you continue the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of losing the pregnancy.

The copper IUD can be inserted straight after you give birth. If not inserted straight after you give birth, then you need to wait until at least four weeks later. The copper IUD is safe to use if you are breastfeeding.

The copper IUD can be removed at any time by a doctor or a nurse. Your fertility will quickly return to what is normal for you.

Find out more about having your IUD removed

• Sexual Health Victoria
• A doctor or nurse
• Your local community health service
• An obstetrician or gynaecologist
• 1800 My Options phone line 1800 696 784 or website
• Better Health Channel
• Equinox – for transgender services
• Jean Hailes
• Marie Stopes Australia
• Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
• The Women’s (The Royal Women’s Hospital)
• Other Victorian IUD providers