Copper IUD
| Copper IUD | |
|---|---|
Photo of a common IUD (Paragard T 380A) | |
| Background | |
| Type | Intrauterine |
| First use | 1970s |
| Trade names | copper-T, ParaGard, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | FDA Professional Drug Information |
| Failure rates (first year) | |
| Perfect use | 0.6% |
| Typical use | 0.8% |
| Usage | |
| Duration effect | 5–12+ years |
| Reversibility | rapid |
| User reminders | ? |
| Clinic review | Annually |
| Advantages and disadvantages | |
| STI protection | No |
| Periods | May be heavier and more painful |
| Benefits | Unnecessary to take any daily action. Emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days |
| Risks | <1 in 100: pelvic infection within 20 days of insertion 1.1 in 1000: uterine perforation |
A copper intrauterine device (IUD), also known as an intrauterine coil, copper coil, or non-hormonal IUD, is a form of long-acting reversible contraception and one of the most effective forms of birth control available. It can also be used for emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex. The device is placed in the uterus and lasts up to twelve years, depending on the amount of copper present in the device. It may be used for contraception regardless of age or previous pregnancy, and may be placed immediately after a vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, or surgical abortion. Following its removal, fertility quickly returns.
Common side effects include heavy menstrual periods and increased menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Rarely, the device may come out or perforate the uterine wall.
The copper IUD was initially developed in Germany in the early 1900s, but came into widespread medical use in the 1970s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.