Of the many types of birth control available today, there’s one that stands out as far superior to the rest. The copper IUD isn’t only more effective than oral contraceptive pills—it can also last up to 10 years, which makes it ideal for those looking for long-term birth control without the need for daily or monthly injections or refills. Here are five reasons why the copper IUD is the best option out there.
5 Reasons Why the Copper IUD is the Best Birth Control Option
1) It’s hormone free
Unlike birth control pills, patches, and rings, there are no hormones in a copper IUD. This makes it great for women who want to avoid hormone-related side effects like mood swings or weight gain.
2) It protects against STIs
Birth control pills aren’t going to protect you from STIs, so if you have unprotected sex with a new partner, your risk of contracting an infection goes up. Condoms are not 100 percent effective at preventing STI transmission either, so adding a barrier method like a female condom can help increase your protection. But no barrier method can guarantee that it will prevent infection; some infections spread through skin-to-skin contact even when there is no penetration.
3) It lasts up to 12 years
Once you’ve received your copper IUD and had it inserted by a medical professional, you won’t need to do anything else for years and years. No more co-pays, no trips to the pharmacy, no birth control side effects. It lasts up to 12 years; that’s ten times longer than most birth control pills! And it makes having sex an easy decision, as you don’t have to worry about needing a condom or remembering your pill every single day.
4) It prevents pregnancy while breastfeeding
The copper IUD prevents fertilization before it even takes place, making it an ideal option for women who are breastfeeding because there’s no risk of a chemical traveling into breast milk and harming your baby. It’s very effective: Copper IUDs have one of the highest rates of effectiveness on our list—it’s over 99 percent. As soon as you get a copper IUD inserted, you can rest assured that you won’t be getting pregnant anytime soon.
5) It’s reversible within 10-12 weeks
Unlike other methods of birth control, including some brands of oral contraceptives and implantable options like Mirena or Nexplanon, which are intended to be permanent options, copper IUDs are fully reversible if you want to try something else down the line. If you decide within a year or two that you no longer wish to continue using your copper IUD as a method of birth control, you can have it removed by your doctor. It’s also important to note that in rare cases, women may experience an ectopic pregnancy with an IUD in place; however, if you do experience bleeding after having sex and suspect an ectopic pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
copper iud side effects
If you're considering a copper IUD, you may be wondering about potential side effects. Here's what you need to know.side effects of copper iud.
While copper IUDs are a very effective form of birth control, they can cause some side effects. The most common side effect is heavier and longer lasting periods. Some women also experience cramping, spotting, and increased vaginal discharge
