Non-Hormonal IUD

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WHAT IS A NON-HORMONAL IUD?

The non-hormonal IUD (intrauterine device) also known as the copper IUD is a small plastic and copper device placed in your uterus by a trained healthcare provider. Unlike its hormonal cousins (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, and Skyla) it doesn’t contain any hormones, only a thin copper wire wound around the T-shaped device.

This IUD is considered a safer option for individuals with specific health conditions, such as a history of breast, cervical, or uterine cancer, or for those taking medications like blood thinners or anti-seizure drugs. If you’re breastfeeding/chestfeeding, you don’t have to worry about your milk supply dropping because this type of IUD doesn’t have any estrogen (or any other hormones).

WHAT KIND OF NON-HORMONAL IUDS ARE THERE?

In the U.S., we’ve got one solo player when it comes to non-hormonal IUDs, and that’s Paragard.

PARAGARD
The marathon runner of IUDs – it goes the distance and can work for up to 10 years.

And here’s the cool part: you’re not stuck with it for the maximum time. You can say “see ya” to your IUD whenever you’re ready to have it removed, by having a healthcare provider that does IUD removals remove it for you. After your IUD is removed your fertility should return to what’s normal for you pretty quickly.

HOW DO NON-HORMONAL IUDS WORK?

INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
So, that copper wrapped around the IUD? Think of it as sperm repellent. The copper creates an unwelcoming environment for the sperm, so it won’t want to come in.
SPERM ROADBLOCK
The copper does a little interference dance with the sperm’s swimming skills. It’s like adding hurdles to their race, making it way trickier for them to reach the egg. And if they can’t reach the egg, no fertilization can happen.

HOW DO YOU USE A NON-HORMONAL IUD?

If you are looking to get a non-hormonal IUD, the first thing you’ll need to do is schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider that does IUD insertions.

The non-hormonal IUD can be inserted any time of the month. The most comfortable time may be during your period because that’s when your cervix is open the most. Before your appointment, you can take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to help with possible discomfort with insertion and cramps.

After it’s in, there’s really not much you have to do other than check the string ends occasionally to make sure it’s in place.

HERE’S HOW TO CHECK YOUR IUD STRINGS

Wash your hands with soap, then sit or squat down.
Put your finger in your vagina until you touch your cervix, which will feel firm and rubbery like the tip of your nose.
Feel for the strings. If you find them, congrats! Your IUD is good to go.
If you feel the hard part of the IUD against your cervix or can’t feel the strings, you may need to have it adjusted or replaced by your healthcare provider.

p.s. Don’t pull on the strings! If you do, the IUD could move out of place.

p.p.s. If you don’t feel comfortable checking for the strings, you can let your provider do that the month after insertion, and then yearly after that.

When it comes to birth control, there are pros and cons for each method, and remember, everyone’s body is unique, so what works for you might not be the same for your friends. Non-hormonal IUDs are usually pretty safe and well-tolerated, but it’s a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider. They’ll help you figure out if it’s right for you based on your needs, health, and what you prefer.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF A NON-HORMONAL IUD

HEALTH BONUS
The non-hormonal IUD might lower your risk of certain health issues, like cervical and endometrial cancer.
INSTANT ACTION
The copper IUD starts working its magic the moment it’s in. No, waiting around for protection – it’s instant.
LONG-HAUL CHAMPS
They’re like the marathon runners of contraception, keeping you covered for up to a decade. Minimal fuss, maximum protection.
NO HORMONES
As the name suggests, they’re hormone-free. So, they’re a go-to for folks who want to steer clear of hormonal birth control.
SUPER RELIABLE
The Paragard (copper IUD) is very reliable. It has a 99% success rate at preventing unintended pregnancy.
TOTALLY REVERSIBLE
Want to plan a baby in the future? No problem! When you get your non-hormonal IUD removed by a healthcare provider that does IUD removals, your fertility should return to what’s normal for you pretty quickly.
ZERO EFFORT NEEDED
Once it’s in, you’re good to go. No daily routines, just low-key protection.

POSSIBLE DOWNSIDES OF A NON-HORMONAL IUD

EXPULSION RISK
In rare cases, the IUD can be expelled from the uterus. It’s important to check the IUD’s strings’ position every so often.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
The non-hormonal IUD isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’ve got certain health conditions like copper allergies, unusual uterine structures, or other concerns like pelvic inflammation, cervical cancer, or Wilson’s disease, it’s wise to have a discussion with your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out if this is the right choice for you. Your health always comes first!
PERIOD CHANGES
When it comes to the non-hormonal IUD, it’s important to know you might experience heavier and longer periods, which could be a downer if you already deal with cramps and heavy flow.
UNEXPECTED SPOTTING
You might experience some initial side effects, like irregular bleeding, cramps, or spotting. These typically mellow out after a few months.

DO IUDS WORK FOR STI/STD PREVENTION?

IUDs are super effective and convenient for preventing pregnancy, but it’s important to remember that they don’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk of getting or spreading STIs, it’s a good idea to use condoms every time you have sex, even if you have an IUD. We offer condoms mailed directly to anyone who is 18+ and lives or goes to school in our service area. Click here to request free condoms.

HOW CAN I GET A FREE IUD?

If you live or go to school in our 18-county service area and are looking for a birth control method, you can give us a call at 423-265-7837 to schedule an appointment. If you want to speak with one of our Health Educators on the phone or if you’d like for us to call you back on a certain day to schedule an appointment for birth control, you can fill out the request form linked here, and we will call you back on your preferred date.