Can Copper IUDs Serve as Emergency Contraception?

Copper IUDs offer one of the highest rates for pregnancy protection at 99 percent, but they also serve as emergency contraception. The key is to have it in place within five days of unprotected sex. Then, once the IUD is inserted, you can leave it for years for long-term contraception.

If an egg gets fertilized by sperm, it implants into the uterus to cause pregnancy. It can take some time for that to happen, though. That is why a copper IUD is effective for emergency contraception.

Copper IUDs do not rely on hormones to stop ovulation like hormone-based contraception. Instead, they have copper coils on them. The copper serves as a natural spermicide. Once in place, the copper IUD creates an environment inside the uterus that sperm will avoid. It also keeps sperm that are in the uterus from moving. If the sperm can’t reach the egg, it can’t fertilize it.

In addition, a copper IUD can keep a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Implantation starts about five days after fertilization, so even if the sperm does its job, the egg will not be able to implant. A fertilized egg that can’t implant will exit the body the same way it would if it hadn’t been fertilized.

So, even if you have unprotected intercourse, the copper IUD will prevent pregnancy 99 percent of the time as long as it is in place within five days. This is because it will prevent existing sperm from reaching the egg and a fertilized egg from implanting.

Only your doctor can determine what type of emergency contraception might be right for you. A copper IUD is the most effective available, though. For example, plan B and other pills that contain levonorgestrel are only 87 percent effective. That means 13 percent of women who take them for emergency birth control will still get pregnant. Compare that to the 99 percent protection rate you get from the IUD.

A copper IUD is suitable for many women, especially if they want long-term birth control. There are a few exceptions, though. It might not be suitable for women who have the following:

• A current or recent STD
• A current or recent pelvic or uterine infection
• Pelvic infections within the last three months
• Cervical or uterine cancer that remains untreated
• Uterine defects
• A copper allergy
• Wilson’s disease
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

In this case, the healthcare provider might not recommend a copper IUD.

The first step is to contact your healthcare provider. A healthcare professional in an office must do the IUD insertion. The provider will review your medical history and confirm that you are within five days of unprotected sex.

They will also take a full medical history and pelvic exam to ensure you are healthy enough for the IUD. You may want to rest the entire day when you have the procedure. Many women experience cramping and irregular bleeding during and after the procedure. The IUD can irritate the lining of the uterus, and that can cause you some pain. The side effects usually subside within a few months.

You should also prepare for heavier periods. One side effect of the copper IUD is it can cause longer and heavier bleeding during your menstrual period. It will likely only last a few months. It takes that long for your body to get used to the device.

If you decide to go with emergency contraception pills, you can pick those up in any pharmacy. They are available over the counter. Just ask the pharmacist for Plan B.

You can also contact your local sexual health clinic or health care provider. They can give you either Plan B or do the IUD placement. You can pick up the Plan B pills but need an appointment to get an IUD. Of the two, the IUD is your best option, though. It will also provide long-term protection, so you don’t have to worry about birth control again.

One downside to these forms of emergency contraception is that they do not protect against STDs, including HIV. If you think you may have contracted an STD from unprotected sex, you will need to see your healthcare provider for testing. While there, you can discuss emergency contraception and whether a copper IUD might be an option.

Both the pill and the copper IUD will offer protection from pregnancy as long as you are within five days. The sooner you take the pill, the better your chances of avoiding an unplanned pregnancy. The odds of avoiding pregnancy increase with the copper IUD, though.

An IUD is one of the most effective and accessible forms of birth control on the market. They also work proactively, so they are suitable for emergency contraception. A copper IUD will protect you against pregnancy for up to five days before insertion. Find out what your insurance will pay towards getting a copper IUD today, and learn more about the Flexi-T by visiting our website.