Key Facts about Non-Hormonal IUDs

There are two main types of IUDs – hormonal and non-hormonal. This page provides information on the Copper IUD, a non-hormonal IUD. For information on hormonal IUDs, click here.

The Copper IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device which contains copper. It is put into the uterus (womb). The Copper IUD does not contain hormones. It is sometimes called “copper” or “coil”. There are two types of Copper IUDs – Multiload that last for up to 5 years and the Copper T thats lasts for up to 10 years. Your nurse, midwife or doctor will recommend the right one for you.

• It is a Fit & Forget contraception – lasting from 5 years up to 10 years.
• It is small – only 3cm long, 2.3cm wide.
• It is suitable for most women, including those who are young and those who have not had children.
• Works immediately once fitted.
• Can be used as Emergency Contraception – up to 5 days after sex.
• It does not protect you from STIs.

How it works

The Copper IUD is placed in the uterus. The copper in the device stops the sperm reaching the egg. It also prevents a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus.

Pros & cons

• Copper IUDs are at least 99% effective. Only 1 in 100 people will get pregnant each year.
• It is also a method of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days after sex.
• It protects you from pregnancy immediately.
• It is reversible – you can get it taken out when you like.
• Once your Copper IUD is removed, you can get pregnant right away. This is because Copper IUDs don’t stop ovulation.
• It does not protect you from STIs.
• Periods may be heavier, more painful or last longer.
• You will need to see a nurse, midwife or doctor to have the Copper IUD fitted.

Where to get it

The Copper IUD needs to be fitted by a doctor, midwife or nurse who has been specially trained. There are two different types of Copper IUDs. Your nurse, midwife or doctor will recommend the one that is right for you. It is available FREE* from a range of services. Click here to find your nearest service.

*See Terms & Conditions.

The IUD prevents the egg from being fertilised by sperm by;

• Preventing the sperm from surviving inside a woman’s body as copper is toxic to sperm.
• Stopping a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus.
• It can stay in place and prevent pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years, depending on the type, or until you have it taken out.

Pros

There are loads of things about Copper IUDs that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

• You can really Fit & Forget it! No more worrying about missing a pill, injection, etc. 
• The Copper IUD can also be fitted as a method of emergency contraception up to 5 days after sex.
• It does not interrupt sex.
• Copper IUDs are at least 99% effective. Only 1 in 100 people will get pregnant each year.
• Once you have had it fitted, it prevents pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years.
• It protects you from pregnancy immediately.
• It is reversible – you can get it taken out when you like.
• Your fertility will return to normal after the Copper IUD has been removed. This is because Copper IUDs don’t stop ovulation.
• It can be used by women who cannot use contraception that contains hormones, such as the combined pill, progestogen-only pill (POP), vaginal ring, IUS and contraceptive patch.
• The IUD is not affected by vomiting, diarrhoea or other medicines like other methods of contraception.
• The Copper IUD does not affect breastfeeding and can be fitted after the birth of your child.

Cons

Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many people, they’re not a problem. Most people adjust to having a Copper IUD pretty quickly, but give yourself time. It could take a few months.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Periods may be heavier, more painful or last longer.
• There is a small risk of getting an infection after the IUD is inserted.
• There is a small risk of the IUD becoming pushed out or the IUD becoming displaced.
• There is a very small risk of perforation of the uterus.
• If you do become pregnant while you are using the IUD there is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy. 
• You will need to see a nurse, midwife or doctor to have the Copper IUD fitted.

Where to get the Copper IUD?

A Copper IUD needs to be fitted by a nurse, midwife or doctor who has been specially trained. It is available FREE* from a range of services.

Who can get a Copper IUD?

Most people can use an IUD, including those who are young and those who have not had children. Your nurse, midwife or doctor will advise you of the best option for you to choose. 

What happens at an appointment?

An appointment will typically include:

• A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what method would suit you best.
• Before the IUD is fitted, you will need to have a vaginal examination. The doctor, midwife or nurse will pass a small instrument into your womb (uterus) to check its size and position.
• They will also check for any signs of infection, sometimes you may also be given antibiotics.
• Some services may be able to fit it at the same appointment, or you may need a second appointment.

Fitting the IUD (shouldn’t take longer than 5 minutes):

• You’ll be asked to lay on the bed.
• Remove the lower half of your clothing (e.g. trousers/skirt and underwear).
• Open your legs and bend your knees so the nurse, midwife or doctor can use a speculum to slightly widen your vagina to help insert the Copper IUD into your uterus.
• The IUD is fitted using a small plastic insertion device. The arms on the IUD are flexible and fold inside the insertion device.
• The nurse, midwife or doctor may discuss painkiller tablets/using local anaesthetic to make the fitting more comfortable.

The Copper IUD can be used as a form of emergency contraception. It could then be left in your uterus (womb) and be used as ongoing contraception.

What happens after the Copper IUD is fitted?

You may get some period-type pain and possibly some light bleeding for a few days afterwards.

The IUD has two threads which hang through the opening at the entrance of your uterus (cervix). You should check the threads a few times during the first month and then at least once a month.

Once the IUD is fitted, you will need to go back to the doctor, midwife or nurse after three to six weeks for a check up.

It is very unlikely that the IUD will come out but if you are worried and can feel the IUD itself, or cannot feel the threads you should see a nurse or doctor straight away.

You will then only need to go back when the IUD needs to be replaced (5 to 10 years depending on the type).

You should go back to the nurse, midwife or doctor if you notice any of the below symptoms:

• Severe or prolonged stomach pains, especially if you feel unwell, hot and clammy
• Heavy vaginal bleeding with or without clots.

When can I have the Copper IUD fitted and when will I be protected?

The Copper IUD can be fitted at any time in your cycle if it is certain that you are not pregnant. It may also be possible to fit the Copper IUD as emergency contraception. If you have had unprotected sex in the last five days, contact one of the services to get the IUD fitted.

As soon as the Copper IUD is fitted then you will be protected immediately. You will be asked to take a pregnancy test before the IUD is fitted and another three weeks later if there is a pregnancy risk.

How is the Copper IUD removed? Can I remove it myself?

The Copper IUD must be removed by a trained nurse, midwife or doctor, the procedure should be less painful and quicker than having the IUD fitted. Your nurse, midwife or doctor can take out your IUD by putting a speculum into your vagina and gently pulling on the IUD strings.

If you are not going to have another IUD you will need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the seven days before the IUD is taken out if you do not want to become pregnant.

Your fertility should return to normal as soon as the Copper IUD is removed.

Can I use tampons with a Copper IUD?

While using the IUD you can use tampons and/or towels.

Can I feel or can my partner feel my Copper IUD?

No neither you or your partner should feel your IUD. An IUD is positioned in the uterus. You will be able to feel the strings in your vagina and your partner may notice the strings during sex.  The strings of the IUD usually get softer over time, but if they’re really a problem, talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse about adjusting them or cutting them shorter.