How long will my copper IUD protect me against pregnancy?

A copper intrauterine device (IUD) contains no hormones, so there is only one reason women choose to get one – to prevent pregnancy. The question is, how long will it work? 

A copper IUD is a long-term contraception solution but has time limitations. The best way to be in control of your reproductive health is to have good knowledge of the tools you use to manage it. A practical place to start is how long a copper IUD protects you from pregnancy.

A copper IUD is an intrauterine device that a healthcare professional inserts into the uterus. The device is plastic, but it has a copper coil that works to create an environment that wards off sperm.

The mechanism behind pregnancy is simple. Sperm must reach an egg and fertilize it. If the sperm does not enter the uterus, that doesn't happen. The device does not offer permanent protection, though. 

It is not clear whether the device is still effective after five years. Many factors can impact its effectiveness. However, most will last up to five years. Some types may last longer. The recommendation is to replace the IUD at its expiration date if you wish to continue long-term contraception.

During the placement of the IUD, the healthcare provider will review this information with you. In many cases, you can expect them to tell you to replace the IUD in five years. 

There is no guarantee the IUD will be effective in preventing pregnancy after its expiration date. Over time, the copper ions may erode, making them less potent. When that happens, the uterine environment will become more hospitable to sperm, and they may fertilize an egg. 

Typically, you should follow your healthcare provider's advice when it comes to the removal of an IUD. However, you should also watch for signs of a problem requiring removal, such as a fever, heavy bleeding, or belly pain that might indicate an infection.

You will also need to remove an IUD that is displaced. Some signs that the IUD has moved include:

• Your partner can feel the IUD during sex
• You have bleeding between your periods
• You experience heavy vaginal bleeding
• You have cramps or soreness in your lower belly
• There is unusual vaginal discharge

Squatting down and trying to reach it with your fingers is a simple way to check to see if the IUD is in place. IUDs have strings on them that allow for easy removal. You should be able to feel the strings with your fingers. If not, the IUD may be out of place, lowering its effectiveness and increasing your chances of pregnancy. 

The IUD can move at any time. It doesn't have to be in place for a specific time before this becomes a concern. Even new IUDs can move. 

This is one of the benefits of using a copper IUD. You can have it taken out at any time if you think there is a problem or decide it is the right time to conceive. Also, some women use copper IUDs as a form of emergency birth control, so they don't want to leave them in the long term.

That is different from hormonal forms of birth control, including some IUDs. It can take weeks before you can become pregnant after removal. Copper devices are non-hormonal IUDs, so pregnancy can happen to anyone once it is out. If that is not what you want, you need to have a new one put in or use another method like a birth control pill. 

Deciding what type of birth control is right for you is a personal decision you should make with your healthcare provider. For example, a copper device might not be the best contraception for you if you have medical problems like large fibroids or a history of pelvic infection. For most women, copper IUDs are a long-term contraception solution, though.

Find out more about copper IUDs on our website at Flexi-T.