The copper IUD
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What’s a copper IUD?
The copper IUD is made of copper wire. It causes the sperm cells to become inactive, and makes it so that the ovum can’t nestle in.
The copper IUD is shaped like an anchor, and is about 3 centimeters in size. It has one or two wires attached to it that hang out of your cervix, so that the doctor can easily take it out again. After five to ten years, you’ll have to have it taken out or replaced.
How does a copper IUD work?
It’s best to have your IUD placed during or right after menstruation. That way, you’ll know for sure that you aren’t pregnant, and it’ll be easier to have it inserted since your cervix will be slightly more pliable. This is what you can expect to happen: a spreader (speculum) will be inserted. This will often have been warmed up a bit to make it somewhat more pleasant. In order to place the IUD, the cervix will be grabbed with thongs. This can be a bit painful, which is why you can request local anesthesia of the cervix. The anesthetizing is usually done with a very fine needle, and doesn’t hurt.
The length of the cervix is measured, and then the IUD will be placed into the cervix. You might get some cramping, but that usually ebbs away after a few minutes. If you take a Naproxen 500 mg or two tablets of paracetamol 500 an hour before getting the IUD placed, you generally won’t feel much pain, but it is always a bit uncomfortable.
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What are the pros and cons of a copper IUD?
Pros
You won’t have to think about contraceptives for the next 5 to 10 years;
A copper IUD is ideal for people who can’t or don’t want to take hormones;
After removing an IUD, you’ll immediately be fertile again;
Cons
Some people find the placement to be painful;
You won’t be protected against STDs;
Placing a copper IUD can make menstruation worse, with more blood loss;
Your uterus has to get used to an IUD, which can cause abdominal pain at the start.
Contra indications
An IUD can’t be placed if your uterus has an abnormal shape, if you have an STD, are pregnant, have inexplicable blood loss/abdominal complaints, or have recently given birth (less than 6 to 12 weeks ago). An IUD is not recommended for people who naturally have a heavy menstruation, are allergic to copper, or suffer from Wilson disease.
Mentally
A copper IUD doesn’t contain any hormones, which means that it doesn’t have an influence on your mental wellbeing in this way.
What types of copper IUDs are out there?
There are many different types of IUDs available. As for copper IUDs, there is the Flexi T (protects for five years), the T-safe (protects for ten years), the Gynefix (protects for five years), Multi-Safe (Short) (protects for five years), and the Ballerine.
How dependable is a copper IUD?
The chance of getting pregnant when using a copper IUD is about 0.8%.
Where can you buy a copper IUD?
An IUD is only available in pharmacies. Exceptions are the T-Safe, Multi-Safe Short, Ballerine, and Flexi T, which are also available online.
What does a copper IUD cost?
In the Netherlands, the T-Safe copper IUD can be purchased for around €80. Sadly, that isn’t all: the IUD also has to be placed. Are you getting this done by a specialist such as a gynecologist? Then it’ll cost you around 250 euro. Some GPs or midwives will insert the IUD themselves. In that case, it won’t cost you anything, since visits to the GP are fully covered by basic insurance. So, always discuss the possible options with your GP. If you live outside the Netherlands, prices and procedures might be different. Be sure to check what applies in your country!
Are you below the age of 21? This means that, in the Netherlands, you’ll get your contraceptives reimbursed by the basic insurance. Do will have to pay an own contribution. Have you already fully paid your own contribution? Then the copper IUD will be fully reimbursed. If you’re over the age of 21, contraceptives won’t be reimbursed by basic insurance anymore.
Last but not least
When you get a copper IUD removed, you’ll be fertile again soon afterward. You can get a copper IUD replaced quite soon after giving birth, and it is sometimes also used as an emergency contraceptive.
