Copper Intrauterine Device
Overview
A copper intrauterine device (IUD) in a woman’s uterus prevents pregnancy. This type of IUD:
- Is a small, T-shaped plastic device (1.3 inches wide and 1.5 inches long) that contains copper.
- Has thin strings attached to its tip. The strings hang out of the cervix (lower part of the uterus).
Your health care clinician places a copper IUD into your uterus. This birth control method:
- Is reversible.
- Works to prevent pregnancy for at least 10 years. Recent studies show that the copper IUD (ParaGard) keeps working for at least 2 years longer than advertised. Ask your clinician if you have questions.
You can use the copper IUD immediately after having a baby and while breastfeeding.
The copper IUD doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use a condom to reduce your risk of STDs.
We can talk about whether the copper IUD could be a good birth control method for you. If you have an ongoing medical condition, be sure to ask us about safe, effective birth control options for you.
The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception. To prevent pregnancy, it must be placed into the uterus within 5 days after having unprotected sex.
Birth Control - Copper IUD - TPMG
Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
How It Works
The copper IUD works inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD:
- Kills sperm or stops their movement, so they can’t reach and fertilize an egg.
- Stops a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
How well it prevents pregnancy
The copper IUD is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It’s one of the most effective birth control methods.
Advantages
With the copper IUD, you don’t need to remember to use birth control before having sex. You can “get it and forget it.” Also, this method doesn’t contain hormones.
Other advantages include:
Privacy. Others cannot see it or know you’re using it.
Convenience. It’s effective for at least 10 years.
Reversibility. If you want to get pregnant, you simply have the IUD removed by your clinician.
Disadvantages and Side Effects
The disadvantages of the copper IUD include:
- Insertion and removal must be done by a clinician.
- Longer-lasting, heavier periods, for some women.
- Stronger menstrual cramps, for some women.
- Spontaneous expulsion. In a small number of women, the IUD comes out on its own.
You may have irregular bleeding for the first few months, which is normal. If irregular bleeding continues for longer than 4 months, contact your doctor.
There’s a small chance of injury to the uterus or infection at the time the IUD is inserted.
Rarely, when the IUD doesn’t prevent pregnancy, a woman can have a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. This can cause serious health problems.
Other possible side effects include:
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- Uncomfortable contact with the IUD strings by your partner during sex (uncommon).
How to Use It
After the copper IUD is placed in your uterus, it works on its own.
IUD placement
Placement (insertion) is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes.
Before placing the IUD, your clinician will ask you questions and do a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant.
We will:
- Use a small instrument (speculum) to gently open the vagina so we can see the cervix.
- Place the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus, using a tube.
Some women feel mild pain or cramping during IUD insertion. It can help to take ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) before or after your IUD procedure.
After the IUD is placed
You may have cramping or irregular bleeding for a few months.
After each period, check for the IUD strings to be sure that your IUD is still in place.
- Insert a clean finger into your vagina.
- Feel for your cervix at the end of the vagina (it feels firm, like the tip of your nose).
- Feel for a few thin strings at the opening of your cervix.
If you can’t feel the strings, tell your clinician.
How soon it prevents pregnancy
The copper IUD works right away, as soon as it’s inserted.
IUD removal
Your clinician can remove your IUD any time you want, or up to 12 years after you had it inserted. Copper IUDs work for at least 10 years.
We will:
- Use a speculum to gently open the vagina so we can see the cervix.
- Gently pull on the IUD strings to remove it.
How soon you can become pregnant after stopping use
After your copper IUD is removed, you can get pregnant within 1 to 2 weeks. Your chances of becoming pregnant are the same as other women your age.
Disclaimer
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.