IUD (Intrauterine Contraceptive) The IUD is made of soft, flexible plastic with copper and shaped like a "T," and is about 1-1/2 inches, or the size of a quarter. It is designed to fit inside the uterus.

What is the major benefits of the copper IUD?
The copper IUD is a very convenient, highly effective form of contraception that does not interfere with sexual spontaneity, and requires no daily attention.  The latest copper IUD may be left in place for 10 years of use.  It may be removed at any time by a health care professional.

How effective is the copper IUD in caparison to barrier contraceptives and other methods?
The copper-bearing IUD is one of the most effective reversible methods available today.   It is over 99% effective, fewer than 1 woman out of every 100 who use the newest copper IUD for one year will get pregnant.  (By contrast, the efficacy rate from condoms is only 88%, 12 out of every 100 women who use this method will get pregnant.)   Once the IUD is inserted, you need only to check its placement at least after each menstraul period.  The possibility of "human error" (for example, forgetting to take a pill or using barrier methods incorrectly) as a reason for contraceptive failure is largely eliminated. 

IUDs are among the most effective REVERSIBLE methods of contraception.

How are copper IUDs designed?
Copper IUDs used in the US have been shaped like a "7" or a "T".  The newest copper IUD is shaped like a "T," to better fit the uterus.  It has a monofilament string that you check monthly to ensure the IUD is in place.  The newest copper IUD contains more copper for greater effectiveness, so the chance of pregnancy with the latest "T"-shaped copper IUD is about the same as with implants, injections and surgical sterilization.

How does the copper IUD work?
As with birth control pills, there is no single explanation for how IUDs work.  Studies have shown that the presence of an IUD interferes with the movement of sperm, fertilization of eggs, and implantation.

What are the most common side effects associated with copper IUDs?
While of low frequency, IUDs may sometimes cause increased menstrual flow, cramps, or backaches.  The copper in the IUD normally causes no side effects; however, if you are allergic to copper your doctor will not prescribe a copper IUD.  (Copper allergy is very rare.  You and your doctor will probably be aware of this condition long before you are ready for an IUD.)

Who can use the copper IUD?
The copper IUD is best suited for women with families who want convenient, effective, reversible contraception.  The latest copper IUD is economical (although it can be removed at any time, it does not need to be replaced for 10 years), and does not contain hormones.

The copper IUD is recommended for women who have at least 1 child, are in a stable, mutually faithful relationship (to minimize chance of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases that might cause pelvic inflammatory disease), and have no history of or suspicion of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Over ninety million women worldwide are using IUDs, making IUDs the most widely used reversible contraceptive method in the world.

How is the copper IUD inserted?
After taking a medical and social history, performing a pelvic exam, and obtaining any lab tests that may be indicated, your clinician inserts the copper IUD into the uterus through a straight narrow tube.  The actual insertion takes only 5 minutes.

Your health care provider can educate and screen you for a IUD during your first visit, and insert a IUD during a next visit.  However, some practitioners will ask you to return to have the insertion performed during or immediately after your period.

Does the copper IUD insertion procedure hurt?
Most women experience very little discomfort.   As with other forms of contraception, it can take time for your body to adjust to an IUD.  Uterine cramps (like menstrual cramps) or low backache might occur at the time of insertion, and occasionally might persist for a few weeks after insertion in some women.  Ibupropin usually is adequate to overcome such discomfort.

Will I feel the copper IUD inside me?
You should not be aware of the IUD.  Comfort is one of the important benefits of this method.  You will be able to feel the string in your vagina with your finger when you check for it.

Will I or my partner feel the copper IUD during intercourse?
You and your partner should not be able to feel the IUD or its string during intercourse, since the IUD is placed within the uterus, not the vaginal canal.  If you do, the IUD may have slipped or the string may be too long (your practitioner can easily shorten the string).  As with any method, if you become unsure, use an additional contraceptive (such as vaginal foams, creams, jellies, and/or condoms) and call your clinician for an examination.

How soon can I have sex after a copper IUD is inserted?
You may resume sexual activity as soon as you desire.  The IUD is effective immediately upon insertion.

Must I use an additional method of contraception when the IUD is first inserted?
No-the IUD is effective immediately upon insertion.   Some women who use the copper IUD may expel it during the first year.   Expulsion, though infrequent, is more likely to occur during the first three months.

Feel for the string at least after each menstrual period to ensure the IUD is in place.  If you have any doubts about the presence of the IUD, use an additional contraceptive method until you can see your clinician for an examination.

How soon after giving birth can a copper IUD be inserted?
As soon as your uterus has returned to its normal pre-pregnancy state, usually six to eight weeks.  Your clinician can tell you whether you are ready for IUD insertion during your postpartum examination.

If your baby was delivered by cesarean section, your clinician will wait until your uterus is fully healed before inserting an IUD.

Do copper IUDs contain any hormones that may affect children who are being breast-fed?
No.  Copper IUDs contain no hormones that could appear in your breast milk.

Must I wait before trying to get pregnant after removal of the IUD?
No.  You do not need to wait before attempting to conceive.  Once removed, there is no further contraceptive action.

Can I wear a tampon while wearing a copper IUD?
Yes.  Tampons can be placed in the vaginal canal while the IUD is in place in the uterus.  Remember to change tampons according to the manufacturer's directions.

If I miss a period, what should I do?
As you would with any contraceptive method, report a missed period to your clinician, who may want to verify that you are not pregnant.

For more information, please contact your local health department or visit the Ortho-McNeil web site.