Do I Have To Keep My Copper IUD Inserted For The Full 5 Years?

IUD birth control offers some of the best protection available today and is long-lasting, especially copper IUDs. With a copper IUD, you have less than a  1% chance of getting pregnant. Most brands of copper IUDs, like the Flexi-T, you can wear for at least five years before removal.

Flexibility is one reason so many women choose the copper IUD as their primary form of birth control. Part of that flexibility is being able to take it out if you become interested in pregnancy. IUD removal is fast and easy, but it does require a visit with your healthcare provider. It’s important that you know as much as possible about the IUD before deciding to get one.

IUD stands for intrauterine device. It is a form of birth control that a health provider puts in place, and it can stay there for several years.

There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper.

A hormonal IUD uses synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation. For pregnancy, an egg must enter the uterus during ovulation. If that doesn’t happen, you can’t get pregnant.

Because these IUDs interfere with your natural hormone balance, they can have unpleasant side effects, such as mood swings, weight gain, and headaches. Often those on hormonal birth control have light or no periods.

Copper IUDs work differently. There are no synthetic hormones. Instead, the copper IUD has coils that deter sperm. Their presence on the IUD device keeps sperm from entering the uterus, where they can fertilize an egg.

Since copper IUDs don’t use hormones, they have fewer side effects. You also have regular periods with a copper IUD.

In addition, copper IUDs are effective emergency contraception. The copper IUD should protect you from pregnancy even if you had unprotected sex before getting it. The IUD offers protection for up to five days prior to insertion.

That would depend on the IUD. Each brand has its own time frame. In general, an IUD can last at least five years.

The beauty of a copper IUD is it gives you choices and immediate return on them. When you put the copper IUD in place, you have immediate protection against pregnancy. The same is true with IUD removal.

IUD removal is a simple process that takes just minutes. Once the IUD removal is complete, you can get pregnant immediately if that is your choice.

How long you leave the IUD is another choice you have the power to make. You can get the IUD removal anytime you want. There is no minimum amount of time you need to use a copper IUD.

When it comes to IUD removal, what is essential is how long you can leave it in place. You should not exceed the length of time recommended by the manufacturer. So, if the copper IUD can last five years, you should not keep it in longer.

You’ll want to contact a healthcare provider and schedule IUD removal when approaching that five-year mark. At that time, you can put a new device in place if you want. Otherwise, you will have to use another form of birth control to avoid pregnancy.

You see a healthcare professional for IUD insertion and removal. Both take just a few minutes. Insertion is done using a special tool and process similar to a pelvic exam.

IUD removal is easier because these devices have strings attached to them. The healthcare provider simply finds those strings and pulls on them to remove the device. When pulled, the strings cause the IUD to fold for easy removal.

You can also feel the strings with your fingers. You can use this for assurance the IUD is still in place. If you can feel the strings, you know it is where it should be. If not, it may have moved.

It is essential that you let a healthcare professional remove the device and not try to do it yourself, even though you can feel the strings. That way, they can ensure the entire device comes out. If it breaks, they may have to find the pieces.

IUD removal is a simple process. The healthcare professional will pull the strings, and the device should slide out. If, for some reason, it doesn’t, the healthcare provider can use a special tool for removal. That is rarely necessary.

Once the device is out, you may have mild cramping and some spotting. Any discomfort you feel should go away in a few days. If it doesn’t, or you run a fever, you should contact your provider immediately. That may indicate some of the device didn’t come out in the removal.

Is a copper IUD the right birth control for you? That’s something you should discuss with your doctor. It is an effective form of long-term birth control for many, though, and doesn’t have the same side effects as the pill.

Find out more about copper IUD Canada by visiting our Flexi-T website today.