🔹 Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD) – As Licensed
📄 Description:
The Copper IUD is a non-hormonal intrauterine contraceptive device used for long-term birth control. It consists of a small, T-shaped plastic frame wrapped with copper wire or bands, which is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
💊 Prescription / Use:
- Indications:
- Long-term contraception (up to 10 years depending on the type)
- Emergency contraception (if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex)
- Dosage/Form:
- Contains copper wire (typically 380 mm² surface area)
- Common types: CuT 380A, CuT 375, Multiload 375
- Route: Intrauterine (inserted by a trained provider)
- Duration of action:
- Effective from 3 to 10 years, depending on model
🔬 Nature:
- Non-hormonal, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC)
- Mechanism of Action:
- Copper ions released into the uterus:
- Are toxic to sperm, impairing motility and viability
- Prevent fertilization and may also interfere with implantation
- Copper ions released into the uterus:
🌟 Advantages:
- Highly effective (over 99%)
- Long-acting and reversible
- Non-hormonal — suitable for those who cannot use hormonal methods
- Immediate return of fertility upon removal
- Can be used as emergency contraception
- Requires no daily maintenance
- Does not interfere with breastfeeding
📦 Common Packaging:
- Sterile, preloaded applicator system in a sealed pack
- Single-use device
- Pack includes:
- T-shaped or loop-shaped copper IUD
- Inserter
- Patient instruction and information leaflet
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 30°C
- Keep in a dry, sealed, sterile pack
- Protect from moisture and contamination
- Use before expiry date
⚠️ Precautions:
- Only insert by trained healthcare provider
- Not suitable for:
- Active pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Undiagnosed genital bleeding
- Copper allergy
- Wilson’s disease (copper metabolism disorder)
- Distorted uterine cavity
- Possible side effects:
- Heavier, longer or more painful periods (especially in first months)
- Spotting or irregular bleeding
- Cramping or discomfort post-insertion
- Rarely: expulsion, perforation, or infection
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Check for strings regularly (after each period)
- Use sanitary napkins instead of tampons after insertion
- Avoid intercourse or using vaginal products for 24–48 hours after insertion
- Report immediately if:
- Severe lower abdominal pain
- Foul-smelling discharge or fever
- Strings feel shorter, longer, or missing
- Copper IUD does not protect against HIV or STIs — consider condoms if at risk
- Can be removed anytime if planning pregnancy