The copper IUD
Completely hormone-free, effective for five to ten years, reversible at any time. For women who deliberately want to avoid hormones — with an honest word about heavier periods.
How copper works
Copper ions change the environment in the uterus so that sperm lose their motility and fertilisation practically does not occur. Your cycle remains fully natural: ovulation, hormone pattern, mood — everything runs without outside interference.
Besides the classic T-shaped IUD there is the copper chain (GyneFix), anchored in the muscle of the uterine wall and suitable for small uteri, and the copper ball (IUB), which unfolds into a sphere. Which shape fits is decided by ultrasound — the size of your uterus is the main criterion, not the manufacturers’ marketing.
The honest counter-argument: bleeding
Copper can make periods heavier, longer and more painful — especially in the first months, for some women permanently. If your periods are already heavy, copper is usually the wrong choice; then, paradoxically, the hormonal IUD is the better option. That sounds contradictory, but it is the core of honest counselling: the method has to fit your body, not a worldview.
- Well suited: normal to light periods, wish for hormone-free contraception, long-term planning
- Weigh carefully: heavy or painful periods, iron deficiency, very small uterus (then rather the chain)
- After insertion: check-up at 4–6 weeks, then yearly
Costs & insurance
Copper IUD including insertion costs about €200–350; copper chain and ball are slightly above. Statutory insurance pays up to your 22nd birthday; after that it is self-pay. Spread over ten years, the copper IUD is the cheapest reliable contraception there is — under €3 per month.
As emergency contraception, a copper IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex — more effective than any morning-after pill. In that case call us directly; that is an urgent appointment.
Frequent questions about the copper IUD
Is insertion more painful than with the hormonal IUD?
No, the procedure is the same — a few minutes, uncomfortable to briefly painful. Pain relief beforehand and local anaesthesia are possible here too; just tell us what you need.
Can my body "reject" copper or develop an allergy?
A true copper allergy is extremely rare. What does occur: the uterus expels the IUD in the first months (expulsion, approx. 2–5%). Hence the position check at 4–6 weeks.
Does the copper IUD work immediately?
Yes, from the day of insertion — unlike hormonal methods it needs no run-up time.
Copper chain or classic IUD — which is better?
Neither, as a blanket answer. The chain needs a sufficiently thick uterine wall for anchoring and an experienced hand; the T-shaped IUD needs a sufficiently large uterine cavity. The ultrasound decides.
Your question not here?Write to us — directly and securely via the online reception.
Ask your questionHormone-free contraception — is copper right for you?
Ultrasound, an honest conversation about your bleeding profile, then the decision. If copper does not fit, we will tell you — including the alternatives.
Request a consultation Ask a question — online reception