Copper IUD
The hormone-free heavy hitter
%20(7).png)
A copper IUD is a small, flexible T-shaped device with copper wire wrapped around it. It sits inside your uterus and stops pregnancy without using any hormones. Once it’s in, it just does its thing. No pills, no daily reminders.
A thin string comes down through your cervix so you (or your clinician) can check that it’s still in place.
In Australia, there are two types of copper IUDs: one lasts up to 5 years and the other for 10 years.
Index
How it works
Copper chaos for sperm
Copper messes with sperm and eggs, literally. It’s toxic to them, so sperm can’t fertilise an egg. It also changes how your uterus and fallopian tubes behave, making it harder for sperm and egg to meet and for a fertilised egg to stick around.
How effective is it?
Super effective. The copper IUD is 99.5% reliable at preventing pregnancy.
Spoiler: very
Who it’s for
Long-term chill, hormone-free vibes
The copper IUD is great if you want:
-
Long-term, low-maintenance contraception
-
A hormone-free option
-
Something that’s safe while breastfeeding
-
A backup for emergency contraception (it works up to 5 days after unprotected sex!)
It’s not suitable if you’re pregnant, have a current pelvic infection, unusual bleeding, or a copper allergy/Wilson’s disease.
If you have heavy or painful periods, anaemia, fibroids, or a recent STI, it’s still an option but have a chat with your doctor or nurse first.
For Queer Folks
Yes, this includes you
If you have a uterus, you can use a copper IUD, no matter your gender or who you have sex with. The copper IUD works by preventing pregnancy, not by assuming anything about your identity or the kind of sex you have.
Some people in our community like that the copper IUD has no hormones, especially if testosterone or other hormone therapy is part of their care. Others find that the insertion process can be dysphoria-inducing or uncomfortable. It is okay to ask for a provider who understands gender diversity and takes things at your pace.
You can use a copper IUD whether you have sex with men, women, non-binary people, or anyone else. It does not protect against STIs, so condoms, dental dams, or gloves might still be part of your safer sex plan.
If you are unsure whether an IUD is right for you, talk to a clinician who is queer-friendly or has experience working with trans and gender-diverse patients. It makes a big difference.
The good stuff
Why people love it
The not-so-great bits
Real talk: what to expect
Getting one
The appointment lowdown
You will need to see a trained clinician for an appointment that usually takes about an hour. Insertion takes around 10 minutes. You can ask for local anaesthetic or, in some clinics, sedation.
After it is in, you might have cramps or spotting for a few days. Pain relief or a heat pack can help. Avoid sex, tampons, swimming, or baths for a couple of days to reduce infection risk.
Your clinician will show you how to check the threads each month after your period. This helps make sure the IUD has not moved.
Be sure to check out our article about what to expect when expecting a copper IUD (Awake) here.
Removal
When you’re ready for a change
When it’s time, a doctor or nurse removes it by gently pulling on the threads. It takes just a couple of minutes. You can have another IUD put in straight away if you want to keep using it.
If you’re over 40 when it’s inserted, it can often stay in until menopause.
For more info or to chat with a nurse:
🌐 www.secretsexproject.com/secret-sex-talk
🧏♀️ Deaf or hard of hearing? National Relay Service: 13 36 77
🌏 Need an interpreter? TIS National: 131 450
