What is an IUD or copper coil?
- An IUD (intrauterine device), also called a copper coil, is a small plastic T-shape that a doctor or nurse puts into your womb (uterus).
- It does not use hormones. It stops pregnancy by releasing copper into the womb.
- An IUD is not suitable for everyone.
- An IUD is more than 99% effective.
- It works as soon as it's put in and lasts for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type.
- An IUD can also be used as a form of emergency contraception.
- It's safe to use while breastfeeding.
- After an IUD is removed your fertility will return to previous levels straight away.
- This information is about the copper coil. For information about the hormonal coil, see intrauterine system (IUS).
- You can compare different methods, including how well they work and side effects, when choosing a method of contraception.
An IUD does not stop you getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a condom every time you have sex to protect you and your partner against STIs including HIV.
Where to get an IUD
Contraception services are free and confidential on the NHS.
You can get an IUD, also called a copper coil, free from:
- sexual health clinics, also called family planning or contraception clinics
- some GP surgeries
- some young people's services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)
If you need an IUD for emergency contraception, it must be fitted within 5 days after having unprotected sex (sex without contraception). Make an appointment as soon as you can.
Getting contraception if you’re under 16
Contraception is free and confidential, including for young people under the age of 16.
The doctor or nurse will not tell anyone, including your parents or carer, unless they think you or someone else is at risk of harm.
Who can get an IUD
A doctor or nurse will ask about your medical history to check if you can get an IUD (intrauterine device), also called a copper coil.
You may not be able to have an IUD if:
- you think you might be pregnant
- you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or pelvic infection
- you have problems with your womb or cervix, such as fibroids or cervical cancer
- you have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
If any of these apply to you, speak to the doctor or nurse about your contraception options.
Getting an IUD after giving birth
An IUD can sometimes be fitted within 48 hours of giving birth. But you'll usually be advised to wait until 4 weeks after birth to have an IUD fitted.
It's possible to get pregnant starting from 3 weeks (21 days) after giving birth. It's important to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, until your IUD is fitted.
IUDs and breastfeeding
It's safe to have an IUD when you're breastfeeding, and it will not affect your baby or your milk supply.
Getting an IUD after a miscarriage or abortion
You can get an IUD straight after an abortion or miscarriage. You'll be protected against pregnancy straight away.
IUD and medicines
An IUD is not affected by other medicines, including prescription medicines or herbal remedies.
Getting an IUD fitted
You can usually have an IUD (intrauterine device), also called a copper coil, fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse at a GP surgery or sexual health clinic.
Having an IUD fitted should take about 5 to 10 minutes, but allow at least 30 minutes for the appointment.
Before your IUD is fitted you might be offered:
- a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- a pregnancy test (an IUD cannot be fitted if you might be pregnant)
Most people have some pain when having an IUD fitted. You may want to take some painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before.
If you're concerned about pain during the fitting, speak to the nurse or doctor. They may be able to offer you extra pain relief, such as local anaesthesia.
The procedure
During the procedure:
- a nurse or doctor will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can open it, like during a cervical screening (a smear test)
- they will insert the IUD into your womb through your cervix
Tell the person fitting your IUD if you feel any pain or discomfort. You can ask them to stop at any time.
You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during the fitting if you want.
After an IUD is fitted
You might have some period-like pain for a few days after having an IUD fitted. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with any pain.
You may also have some light bleeding (spotting).
Checking an IUD is still in place
An IUD has 2 thin, soft threads that hang down a little way from your womb into the top of your vagina.
The doctor or nurse who fits your IUD will teach you how to feel these threads to check it's still in place.
Check your IUD is in place a few times in the first month and then regularly, such as after each period.
Important: If you cannot feel your IUD threads
If you cannot feel the threads, your IUD might not be in place. Get help from a sexual health clinic, 111 or your GP straight away.
If you cannot feel the threads when you check for them, you might not be protected against pregnancy and may need emergency contraception. Use another form of contraception until a doctor or nurse has checked your IUD.
Having an IUD removed
A trained doctor or nurse can remove your IUD at any time.
An IUD is effective for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. Talk to your doctor to find out when your IUD is due to be removed or replaced.
It's possible to get pregnant as soon as your IUD has been taken out.
If you do not want to get pregnant, use another type of contraception, such as condoms, starting 7 days before you have it removed.
Side effects of an IUD
After you get an IUD fitted:
- you might have some period-like pain for a few days
- you may have some bleeding between your periods
- your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful – this may improve after a few months
- you have a small chance of getting thrush that keeps coming back – talk to your GP if this happens
Your partner should not be able to feel your IUD threads during sex. If they can and it's a problem, see a doctor or nurse to get the threads checked.
Find out about choosing a method of contraception, including side effects and risks of different methods.
How well an IUD works
An IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
This means that less than 1 in 100 women using an IUD as their method of contraception get pregnant each year.
Risks of an IUD
An IUD is very safe, but there are some rare risks, including:
- pelvic infections, usually within 3 weeks of having an IUD fitted
- your IUD moving or coming out, usually within 3 months after it's fitted
- damage to the womb
- ectopic pregnancy in the rare case that your IUD fails
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You've had an IUD fitted and:
- you have pain in your lower tummy (abdomen) and painkillers do not help
- you get sudden pain in your lower tummy that gets worse or does not go away
- you have a high temperature
- you have abnormal or smelly discharge
- you have very heavy vaginal bleeding
- you think you might be pregnant
- you cannot feel the threads of your IUD, or they feel different
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.