Copper IUD vs Hormonal IUD: Which Is Best for Me?

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are incredibly safe and the most effective form of reversible birth control you can use. They also come in two types, copper and hormonal, and many women aren’t sure which one is the best choice for them.

Our Michigan Avenue Primary Care team is available to explain the differences and determine if one type is better for your health. Otherwise, the decision is a personal one. Your family planning choice may be easier once you know the following factors.

Copper vs. hormones

The primary difference is that a copper IUD doesn’t contain hormones. Here’s how each type works:

 Copper IUD

 There’s currently one copper IUD available (Paragard®), which is wrapped in copper and slowly releases it into the uterus.

The tiny bit of copper is safe for most people, but toxic to sperm. It inhibits sperm movement, essentially acting like a spermicide and preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.

 Who can’t use a copper IUD? You should not consider this type of IUD if you’re allergic to copper.

Hormonal IUDs

These IUDs (Mirena®, Liletta®, Kyleena®, and Skyla®) prevent pregnancy by slowly releasing the hormone progestin. Progestin inhibits ovulation (the ovaries don’t release an egg) and helps block sperm from getting into the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus.

Who can’t use hormonal IUDs? You may not qualify for a hormonal IUD if you have (or had) breast, uterine, or cervical cancer.

Effectiveness

When it comes to effectiveness, you can confidently choose either a copper or hormonal IUD. Both types are more than 99% effective. 

Though it’s possible to get pregnant with an IUD, it rarely happens. That’s why IUDs are considered as effective as permanent birth control (having your tubes tied).

Long-lasting

How long the IUD lasts may be a factor in deciding which one is best for you. While all IUDs are long-lasting, their duration depends on the brand:

• Paragard (the copper IUD) lasts up to 10 years
• Mirena lasts up to 8 years
• Liletta lasts up to 8 years
• Kyleena lasts up to 5 years
• Skyla lasts up to 3 years

Their duration is determined by how quickly the IUD runs out of copper or hormones.

Removal and reversibility

Reversibility isn’t a deciding factor. Even though an IUD continuously prevents pregnancy for 3-10 years, you can decide to remove it any time you want. We remove IUDs using a simple office procedure.

As soon as the IUD is out, your ability to get pregnant returns whether you had a copper or hormonal device.

Protection from STIs

It doesn’t matter if you have a copper or hormonal IUD; they won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the only contraceptive that can prevent STIs.

Benefit

As we already mentioned, all IUDs are long-lasting, highly effective, and completely reversible. You also don’t need to remember to take a pill (or put on a patch or get a shot). And, you don’t need to use a contraceptive every time you have sex.

The primary benefit of Paragard is that it doesn’t contain hormones. As a result, you can get the benefits of using an IUD even if you can’t have hormones.

Hormonal IUDs often reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps. After several months, your periods may stop until you have the IUD removed.

Side effects

Paragard may cause cramps, irregular bleeding (spotting between periods), severe menstrual pain, and heavy bleeding. Hormonal IUDs could also cause spotting. However, these side effects usually improve in a few months.

Copper and hormonal IUDs pose a few similar risks, but it’s essential to know that these risks are extremely rare. IUDs may increase the risk of developing PID. They may slightly increase the risk of a tubal pregnancy, perforate the uterus, or slip out of place.

Who shouldn’t consider IUDs

IUDs are safe for most women. However, you may not be able to use a copper or hormonal IUD if you have:

• Uterine fibroids
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding (outside your periods)
• An unusually shaped uterus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Recurrent infections

Need help with birth control?

Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care or book an appointment online to learn which birth control method or IUD may be the best for you.