The silver copper IUD is a small, flexible plastic “T” 3 to 4 cm, covered with one or more copper wires. A small wire is attached to the end of the IUD,  just near the end of the uterus, and serves to facilitate its removal. The effectiveness of the silver copper IUD is proportional to the copper content : that is, the more copper the silver copper IUD contains (prescription IUDs currently contain between 375 and 380 mm² copper), the more effective it is. Copper thus helps block fertilization by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The contraceptive effect is also achieved by the copper that prevents the implantation of the egg in the uterus. There are different sized IUDs, depending on the size of her uterus : the “short”, is shorter than the “normal” silver copper IUD. For women who have never had children, the “short” silver copper IUD is preferred because their uterus is often slightly smaller.

The silver copper IUD is installed, after medical advice, by a general practitioner, a gynecologist or a midwife. Unlike a hormonal IUD, which should ideally be put on within a week of your period, the silver copper IUD can be inserted at any time during the cycle. Before insertion, the doctor may optionally do a hysterometry : that is, he inserts a graduated rod into the uterus to assess the depth, shape and tenderness of the patient’s uterus. The insertion of a silver copper IUD is done in the office. The healthcare professional will first disinfect the cervix and then, using a speculum (a medical tool for spreading the walls), insert the silver copper IUD, its branches being retracted to facilitate its passage. The silver copper IUD is then inserted into the cervix and pushed into the uterus. If the cervix is ​​difficult to pass, a special forceps (called a Pozzi forceps) can slightly open the cervix while the silver copper IUD is in place. Placing a silver copper IUD is quick and painless (if done gently and with lubricant). However, some women can still feel discomfort during the insertion: if they apprehend the insertion, they can take a painkiller or a relaxant just before.

Depending on the model, the silver copper IUD can be kept for 5 years (ie some models only keep for 4 years). The woman can decide to remove it at any time and should inform her doctor, gynecologist or a midwife. To remove it, the healthcare professional gently pulls, using suitable small forceps, on the wire attached to the end of the silver copper IUD, placed at the entrance to the uterus. The silver copper IUD will then slide through the cervix and vagina to be removed. Again, the removal is quick and painless : it absolutely does not require local anesthesia or hospitalization. How do you know when to remove it ? It is recommended that you take it off during your period to avoid removing it during a cycle and risking an unwanted pregnancy. Do not worry, the gynecologist or doctor will be able to tell you during your check-up when to remove it.

The silver copper IUD can be offered to all women, whether or not they have already had children, once the risks of infection and risky situations have been ruled out. It has often been said that the copper IUD is not recommended for young women on the grounds that it may affect fertility. However, this is a misconception and it is quite possible to insert an IUD in women who have never had children. However, according to the WHO, the silver copper IUD is contraindicated in women with : an ongoing upper genital infection (of the uterus or tubes), recurrent, or less than 3 months old genital tuberculosis a malformation uterus, a large fibroid or “any congenital or acquired uterine anatomical abnormality causing deformation of the uterine cavity such that it is impossible to insert an IUD”, specifies the WHO cervical cancer uterus, endometrial cancer before treatment unexplained vaginal bleeding (suspected serious disease) hypersensitivity to copper or to any component of the device increased risk of sexually transmitted infections or less of an STI of 3 months a suspected pregnancy or a proven pregnancy for women who have just given birth (better to wait 4 weeks after childbirth) or who have just aborted less than 3 months ago.

The main advantages of the silver copper IUD remain the ease of use and its duration of action (5 to 10 years on average). Unlike the pill, for example, the silver copper IUD is “forgotten” (it doesn’t feel and is painless) and you don’t have to think about it every day. However, it requires regular visits to the gynecologist to see if everything is in place. Also, since it does not contain hormones, the silver copper IUD has no influence on appetite and therefore does not promote weight gain. Its almost optimal efficiency (99%) is also very interesting. All of these advantages can be decisive in your choice of contraception, especially if you want to opt for a hormone-free method.

Like any birth control, the silver copper IUD can have unwanted effects. During insertion, the patient may (this is rare, but it can happen anytime !) experience pain, feel uterine contractions, or have some bleeding. Sometimes there is also a risk of expulsion or perforation of the uterus. The risks of pelvic inflammation or ectopic pregnancy are very rare. One of the most common side effects are changes in your menstrual cycle (menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding, pain and cramps during your period). This is because inserting a silver copper IUD tends to lengthen the duration of your periods and make them heavier. The difference may not be noticeable in patients with short, light periods.