How long copper iud

If you cannot feel the IUD strings, you can abstain from sex or use condoms until a doctor or nurse confirms the IUD is in the right place. If you have had unprotected sex in the 5 days before you notice the string missing, you might need emergency contraception. Once the copper IUD is in for more than 5 — 10 years depending on the type , you can abstain from sex or use condoms until you can have it replaced.

If you have unprotected sex and your IUD has been in for more than 5 — 10 years, you might need emergency contraception. It is important that you see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible and have the IUD removed.

The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a pregnancy in your fallopian tubes ectopic pregnancy. If the IUD is removed , you can continue the pregnancy or have an abortion. If the IUD cannot be removed and you continue the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of losing the pregnancy. The copper IUD can be inserted straight after you give birth. If not inserted straight after you give birth, then you need to wait until at least four weeks later.

The copper IUD is safe to use if you are breastfeeding. The copper IUD can be removed at any time by a doctor or a nurse. Your fertility will quickly return to what is normal for you. Find out more about having your IUD removed. When this happens, it needs to be removed entirely so a new one can be inserted. This is more rare, but if infection happens with an IUD, it could reach the uterus or pelvis and cause scar tissue that can lead to fertility issues down the line, says Dr.

People with active pelvic infections cannot have an IUD inserted. Those with abnormalities of the uterus such as fibroids may want to avoid IUDs, depending on the degree of the abnormality. Neither protects against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections STIs. If you do, you may prefer a hormonal IUD. If you decide you want to remove it for any reason before the decade is up, a healthcare professional can take it out.

At that point, your fertility goes back to what it was before the IUD was inserted. Copper IUDs are associated with heavy bleeding, particularly in the first 3 to 6 months after insertion.

After 6 months, many people find that their periods return to their pre-IUD state. If your bleeding is heavy or happening at other times in your cycle, talk to your healthcare professional. IUD removal is quick and easy. As they pull, the arms of the device will be drawn upward, making exertion smooth. Occasionally, the string will be too short to grab, or it will be up in the uterus. In that case, your doctor will use a smaller medical tool to reach it. If you want something you can mostly set and forget, talk to a doctor about your options for IUDs or other long-term contraception.

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Hatcher RA, et al. Intrauterine devices IUDs. In: Contraceptive Technology. Ayer Company Publishers; Hatcher RA, et al. Intrauterine contraceptives. In: Managing Contraception Tiger, Ga. Dean G, et al. Intrauterine contraception: Devices, candidates, and selection. Accessed Nov. Contraception after having a baby. Using contraception effectively Will antibiotics stop my contraception working? What if my partner won't use condoms?

Where can I get emergency contraception morning after pill, IUD? How effective is emergency contraception? When can I use contraception after a baby or while breastfeeding? Where can I get contraception?

Missed pills and extra pills What should I do if I miss a pill combined pill? What should I do if I miss a pill progestogen-only pill? What if I've lost a pill? What if I've taken an extra pill by accident? What if I'm on the pill and I'm sick or have diarrhoea?

How do I change to a different pill? Will a pregnancy test work if I'm on the pill? Does the pill interact with other medicines? When will my periods return after I stop taking the pill? How do I know I've reached menopause if I'm on the pill? What is the male pill? An IUD works as soon as it's put in and lasts for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. It can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant. It can be taken out at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse.

It's then possible to get pregnant straight away. Your periods can be heavier, longer or more painful in the first 3 to 6 months after an IUD is put in. You might get spotting or bleeding between periods. There's a small risk of getting an infection after it's been fitted. There's a small risk that your body may push out the IUD or it may move.

Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check it's in place. It can be uncomfortable when the IUD is put in, but you can take painkillers after, if you need to.

It may not be suitable if you have had previous pelvic infections. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections STIs , so you may need to use condoms as well.