What is the Difference Between Copper and Hormonal IUD

The key difference between copper and hormonal IUD is that copper IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains copper, while hormonal IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains the hormone progestin.

IUD (intrauterine device) or IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) is a small T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancies. IUDs are safe and effective in adolescents and those who have not previously had children. There are two types of IUDs: non-hormonal IUDs (copper-based) and hormonal IUDs (progestogen releasing).

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Copper IUD
3. What is Hormonal IUD
4. Similarities – Copper and Hormonal IUD
5. Copper vs Hormonal IUD in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Copper vs Hormonal IUD

What is Copper IUD?

Copper IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains copper in the device. It is also known as a copper intrauterine coil. It can be used for birth control and emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex. It has a one-year failure rate of around 0.7%. Therefore, it is one of the most effective forms of birth control method. This device is generally placed in the uterus. Furthermore, copper IUDs last up to twelve years. This device may be used by women of all ages regardless of whether or not they have had children previously. The mechanism of action of this device is based on the copper wire that is coiled around the device. The copper wire produces an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperms and eggs and thus prevents pregnancy.

The side effects of using this IUD may include heavy bleeding between periods, cramps, severe menstrual pain, and the device coming out in rare cases. Moreover, it is also less recommended for women at high risk of sexually transmitted infections as this IUD may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. However, it is recommended for women who can’t tolerate hormonal contraceptives. Overall, copper IUD is a type of long-acting reversible birth control method.

What is Hormonal IUD?

A hormonal IUD is a small piece of flexible T-shaped plastic intrauterine device. Hormonal IUD releases a tiny amount of hormone progestin (levonorgestrel) into the body of women over several years. Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm cells away from eggs. The hormone in the IUD device prevents pregnancies in two ways. The hormone in the IUD makes mucous on the cervix thicker, which blocks sperms from reaching eggs. Secondly, a hormone in the IUD stops eggs from leaving the ovaries.

It is one of the most effective forms of birth control method as its one-year failure rate is around 0.2%. The device is placed in the uterus and lasts up to three to seven years. Fertility returns once after removing the device. Its side effects include irregular periods, benign ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, depression, and uterine perforation. Furthermore, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. However, it is safe to use with breastfeeding.

What are the Similarities Between Copper and Hormonal IUD?

• Copper and hormonal IUDs are two intrauterine devices that prevent pregnancies.
• Both devices are placed in the uterus.
• Fertility returns after removing both devices.
• Both are the most effective forms of birth control methods.
• They can be used by women of all ages.

What is the Difference Between Copper and Hormonal IUD?

Copper IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains copper in the device, while hormonal IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains hormone progestin in the device. Thus, this is the key difference between copper and hormonal IUD. Moreover, copper IUD has a one-year failure rate of around 0.7%, while hormonal IUD has a one-year failure rate of around 0.2%.

The below infographic presents the differences between copper and hormonal IUD in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Copper vs Hormonal IUD

Copper and hormonal IUDs are two intrauterine devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancies. Copper IUD is a type of intrauterine device which contains copper, while hormonal IUD is a type of intrauterine device which contains the hormone progestin. So, this summarizes the difference between Copper and Hormonal IUD.

Reference:

1. “Hormonal IUD (Mirena).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
2.“Considering the Copper Iud? Here’s What to Expect.” Healthline, Healthline Media.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Copper IUDs: Mechanisms of Action” By MIT OpenCourseWare (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Mirena in optimal place – schematic” By Mikael Häggström, from original by BruceBlaus – File:Blausen 0602 Laparoscopy 02.png (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia