IUD_CopperCoil_White

THE IUD – AKA THE COPPER COIL

Emergency and long-term contraception.

TAKING THE HORMONE OUT OF THE COIL

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that contains a copper thread. Also known as the copper coil, instead of hormones it releases copper that immobilize sperm and stop them from fertilizing the egg. Should a sperm manage to get through, the copper also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb lining, so you're still protected against pregnancy. The copper coil can also be used for emergency contraception. It can be used up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.

As not every contraception suits everyone, it's important to discuss the copper coil with your doctor or nurse first. Once you've decided an IUD is the right contraception method for you there's not much more for you to do. Your doctor or nurse will insert it for you, and it will remain effective for up to 5 to 10 years. Should you decide that you no longer want to have the IUD, it can be removed by a healthcare professional, and its effects will wear off quickly, allowing you to return to your normal fertility level. 

The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Intrauterine Device - IUD - Copper Coil

HOW IT MEASURES UP

Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

99% - Compare Contraceptive Methods 99% - Compare Contraceptive Methods

EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

The IUD is more than 99% effective with “typical use” meaning that less than one woman in every 100 who uses this method for one year will become pregnant.

The copper coil is a highly effective option because once it is fitted by a healthcare professional it doesn't rely on you having to remember it in order to work. Therefore, there is no difference in its typical use and perfect use effectiveness. 

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99% - Compare Contraceptive Methods 99% - Compare Contraceptive Methods

EFFICACY WITH PERFECT USE

The IUD is more than 99% effective with “perfect use” meaning that less than one woman in every 100 who uses this method for one year will become pregnant.

Inserted with a prescription by a doctor or nurse and left in place for up to 5 or 10 years, the copper coil is a highly effective and reliable method of contraception.

View ’Perfect’ Use Efficacy Rate

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HORMONES

No. The IUD is hormone-free.

EASE OF USE

The IUD is placed in the womb by a doctor or nurse and lasts for up to 5 to 10 years. If you want to stop using the IUD, a doctor or nurse can remove it.

YOUR PERIOD

Women with an IUD may experience heavier and longer bleeding.

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NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support on your contraceptive needs.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

The
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 to 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

THE
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

COCPs are tablets that may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormone progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. 

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

THE
Patch

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

The_Patch_CompareMethods

THE
Diaphragm

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Your doctor or nurse will normally conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size.

Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

THE
Ring

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring_CompareMethods

THE
Female Condom

An internal condom placed in the vagina that stops sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female_Condom_Contraception

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

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THE
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone and so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these..

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning - Compare Methods

SPERMICIDE

Spermicides are Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal - Contraception Method

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. 

Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method
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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

  • PP-PF-WHC-IE-0072-3, September 2023