The various hormonal and copper IUDs work for different lengths of time and their effectiveness does not just switch off at their expiry date, so they will all provide some protection from pregnancy, but use of alternative contraception such as condoms is recommended form the time they expire.
All the copper IUDs we use in Chalmers will work for at least 5 years; there are a few copper IUDs that work for 10 years. The decision about which will suit you is generally made when the clinician assesses you in the clinic just before insertion. Any copper IUD fitted in someone over the age of 40 will work for contraception until after menopause.
There are few different types of hormonal IUD, and the length of time they work can range from 3 to 6 years of use, so it is important that you keep any cards or leaflets from your insertion appointment so that you know when it needs to be replaced. A 5 year hormonal IUD fitted at age 45 years or over will work to prevent pregnancy until after menopause. Any hormonal IUD that is being used as part of HRT should be replaced every 5 years.