Did you know a copper IUD is 10 times more effective than emergency contraceptive pills? This makes the copper coil the best choice in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. If you’re looking for a reliable emergency contraception option with the benefit of long term contraception, the copper IUD could be just what you’re looking for.
The copper IUD is a small T-shaped device that a healthcare professional inserts into your uterus. It’s made of flexible plastic with a copper coating. This coating stops sperm from reaching an egg. It’s more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if fitted within five days of unprotected sex.
Unlike the emergency pill, which has a limited time frame, the copper coil can be fitted up to five days after sex. This gives you more time to decide. Once in, it can protect against pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Key Takeaways
- Copper IUDs are 10 times more effective than emergency contraceptive pills
- They can be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex
- Copper IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
- They offer both emergency and long-term contraception
- A healthcare professional inserts the IUD into the uterus
- The copper in the device actively prevents fertilisation
Understanding Copper IUD Emergency Contraception
Copper coil emergency contraception is a great choice to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It’s one of two emergency contraception options in the UK, along with the pill. You can get a copper IUD fitted within five days of unprotected sex, making it a quick solution for unexpected situations.
This method is different from the pill, which delays ovulation. The copper IUD can stop pregnancy at any cycle stage. It’s perfect for women who have already ovulated. If fitted within 120 hours of unprotected sex, it’s over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The copper IUD has many benefits over other emergency contraception methods. It works well for all body types, even for those who are overweight, unlike some pills. Once in place, it acts as long-term contraception, avoiding daily pills and regular doctor visits.
However, less than 10% of women know about the copper IUD for emergency contraception. Yet, over 10% would consider it if they knew more about it. If you’re looking into emergency contraception, talk to a doctor at The Coil Clinic about the copper IUD to see if it’s right for you.
The Process of Fitting a Copper IUD
Getting an IUD fitted is a quick process. It happens at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery. A trained doctor or nurse will put the small T-shaped device into your uterus through your cervix. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. But, you should plan for about 30 to 40 minutes for the whole visit.
Before the fitting, you might want to take a painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Some women can find it uncomfortable, especially if they’ve never had children.
Once the IUD is in, it starts working right away. You should check the threads regularly to make sure it’s in place. If you can’t feel them, you should contact your GP surgery or sexual health clinic right away. The copper IUD can last from 5 to 10 years, depending on the type.
While, the IUD is great at preventing pregnancy it doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you’re worried about STIs, using condoms is recommended.
Copper Coil Emergency Contraception: Timing and Effectiveness
You can get it fitted within 5 days after unprotected sex or ovulation. It’s a flexible option for many women. The sooner you get it fitted, the better it works.
Within this timeframe, the copper coil is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. This rate is higher than emergency contraceptive pills. It starts working right after insertion, even if ovulation has already happened.
One big plus of the copper coil is its long-term protection. It can stay in place for up to 10 years. This means it’s a cost-effective choice for both emergency and long-term contraception.
Getting an NHS appointment for the copper coil can be challenging, especially on bank holidays. However, here at The Coil Clinic we often have the ability to fit you in, especially in an emergency situation, Just contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Benefits of Choosing a Copper IUD for Emergency Contraception
The copper IUD is a top choice for emergency contraception, offering many benefits. It’s nearly 100% effective if used within five days of unprotected sex. This makes it better than other emergency methods. It’s also a good option for those who don’t want to use hormonal birth control.
This type of IUD is very flexible. Once put in, it can protect against pregnancy for up to 10 years. It’s a smart choice for the long term because it’s affordable. Plus, it won’t affect your ability to have children later on.
Many women keep using the copper IUD as their regular birth control. This helps prevent unplanned pregnancies. It works right away, doesn’t change your sex life, and you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day.
But, not many women know about the copper IUD’s benefits. Only 13% of women aged 18-45 know it’s the best emergency birth control option. Teaching more women about it could help them make better choices for their health.
Potential Drawbacks and Side Effects of Copper IUDs
While the Copper IUD is great for emergency contraception there are some side effects. Your periods might get heavier and last longer in the first few months. Some women may feel cramps and spot between periods. However, these symptoms usually go away over time.
There’s a small chance of getting a pelvic infection in the first 20 days after getting the IUD. Rarely, the IUD might go through the uterus known as a perforation. This is very rare, happening less than 1 in 1,000 times. Sometimes, the IUD can come out, needing a new one to be put in.
Even with these possible issues, copper IUDs are a top choice for non hormonal birth control. They can stay in for up to 10 years, giving you long-term protection. If you’re worried about side effects, talk to your us about your contraceptive options.
Comparing Copper IUDs to Other Emergency Contraception Methods
Copper IUDs are the best choice for emergency contraception. They prevent more than 99% of pregnancies if used within five days of unprotected sex. This is better than pills like Levonelle and ellaOne.
The morning after pill, Levonelle, has a 1 to 7 percent chance of pregnancy failure. EllaOne is slightly better, with a 1 to 2 percent risk. These pills work by stopping ovulation, but they’re less effective if ovulation has already happened.
How soon you use hormonal contraception matters. Levonelle works best within 72 hours, while ellaOne can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. However, It should be taken as soon as possible to have the best chance of preventing pregnancy.
Copper IUDs aren’t dependent on your weight or when you ovulate. They offer protection for up to 10 years, making them a cost-effective choice. Although they cost more at first, they serve as both emergency and long-term contraception, making them a great option for many women.
FAQ
How does a copper IUD work as emergency contraception?
A copper IUD (intrauterine device) works as emergency contraception by creating an environment in the womb that’s hostile to sperm and eggs. The copper ions released by the IUD prevent fertilization and implantation. It’s a highly effective form of emergency contraception that can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
How effective is an emergency IUD compared to the morning after pill?
An emergency IUD is significantly more effective than the emergency contraceptive pill. The copper IUD is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex, while the morning after pill is about 85% effective when taken within 72 hours.
How long does it take to get an IUD fitted for emergency contraception?
The process of getting an IUD fitted usually takes about 15-20 minutes. However, you’ll need to make an appointment at a sexual health clinic or with your doctor. It’s important to get the IUD inserted as soon as possible after unprotected sex for it to be effective as emergency contraception.
Can I use the IUD as emergency contraception if I’ve had unprotected sex more than once?
Yes, you can use the IUD as emergency contraception even if you’ve had unprotected sex multiple times. The copper IUD will protect against pregnancy from any unprotected sexual encounters that occurred within 5 days before insertion.
Are there any side effects when using a copper IUD for emergency contraception?
Some women may experience side effects when using a copper IUD. These can include heavier or longer periods, cramping, and spotting between periods. However, many women don’t experience significant side effects. The IUD is non-hormonal, so it doesn’t cause the hormonal side effects associated with other forms of contraception.
Can I keep the emergency IUD as a form of regular contraception?
Yes, one of the benefits of using an IUD as emergency contraception is that you can keep it in place for long-term contraception if you choose. A copper IUD can remain effective for 5-10 years, depending on the type. This makes it a convenient option for those who need emergency contraception and want to continue with a reliable, long-term method.
How soon after getting an emergency IUD can I have sex again?
Once the IUD is inserted, it starts working immediately as contraception. However, it’s generally recommended to wait 24-48 hours before having sex to allow any discomfort from the insertion to subside. Always follow the specific advice given by your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I need emergency contraception but can’t get an IUD fitted immediately?
If you need emergency contraception but can’t get an IUD fitted right away, consider taking the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible. You can then make an appointment to have an IUD fitted later if you wish. Remember, the sooner you take action after unprotected sex, the more effective emergency contraception will be.
