Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUCD)

An IUCD is a small, ‘T-shaped’ contraceptive device which is placed in a woman’s uterus (womb). It is also known as the IUD, loop or coil. IUCDs are made of flexible plastic with a coating of thin copper wire.

It has one or two soft threads on the end. These thin threads hang through the opening at the entrance of your womb (cervix) into the top of your vagina.

The IUCD is thought to work in several different ways, and through a combination of factors. Its main action is to stop sperm reaching an egg. It does this by preventing sperm from surviving in the cervix, womb or fallopian tube. It may also delay the egg coming down the fallopian tube, as well as preventing a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.

The IUCD is also used as a form of emergency contraception.

There are different types of IUCDs – newer IUCDs contain more copper and are the most effective. They are more than 99% effective. This means less than one woman in every 100 women who use the IUCD will get pregnant in a year.

Older IUCDs have less copper and are less effective. The IUCD is a long-acting reversible method of contraception. All long-acting methods are very effective because while they are being used you do not have to remember to take or use contraception.

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