Copper surface: 300 mm2
Lasts for: 5 years
Recommended uterine length: 5 to 8 cm
The copper IUD is a hormone-free contraceptive. The thin copper wire is wrapped around the plastic body and continuously releases small amounts of copper ions into the uterus, thus changing its mucous membrane and the mucus at the cervix. The sperms’ mobility is significantly impaired by this, and they do not reach the egg to be fertilised or do not reach it in sufficient numbers to fertilise it.
In technical jargon, the copper coil is also called an intrauterine device, or abbreviated as “IUD”. This term is made up of the Latin words “intra” for inside and “uterus”. Copper IUDs with only copper wrapped around the stem can remain in the uterus for five years. However, models with both copper wrapped around the stem and on the side arms can remain in the woman’s uterus for up to 10 years.
Lasts for a long time: 5 to 10 years
No daily intake of any product necessary
Hormone-free contraceptive method that does not interfere with natural menstrual cycle
Copper intrauterine devices are more effective than hormone-based methods for emergency contraception and cost less
Initially, intermittent bleeding is often reported, generally frequently-increased menstrual bleeding is common and, possibly, more severe menstrual pain
Can shift and cause abdominal pain or be expelled
Not to be used in case of a medically-confirmed copper allergy
Should this method fail, which only happens infrequently, there is a slightly higher chance of ectopic pregnancy