What Is a Non-Hormonal IUD?
A non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic rod. The T-shaped plastic is wrapped with copper wire. The copper IUD is a long-acting but reversible way to prevent pregnancy. And the IUD doesn't use hormones. The non-hormonal IUD goes into your uterus (womb).
Instead of hormones, the copper can stop sperm from reaching your egg. This lowers your chance for pregnancy. And it can stay in place for a long time.
What are the benefits and risks of non-hormonal IUDs?
There are many benefits to a copper IUD. You can use one even if you’ve given birth before.
Benefits for a non-hormonal IUD include:
Effective. Works very well to prevent pregnancy. Less than 1 in 100 people get pregnant within the first year.
No hormonal side effects. As this IUD comes without hormones, it can be used for hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer.
Good for breastfeeding (chestfeeding). No hormones means it’s safe to be used during lactation. You’ll also continue to have periods.
Long-term. The copper IUD is a long-acting method. It can stay in place for up to 10 years. And because it’s already in place, you don't need to interrupt sex.
Reversible. You can remove the non-hormonal IUD anytime. It’s a good fit if you want or need a reversible method to not get pregnancy.
Emergency birth control. You can use a copper IUD as an emergency birth control. But your doctor will need to put it in within five days of unprotected sex.
Copper IUDs slow the growth of your womb’s lining. This may lower your risk for endometrial cancer.
But inserting a copper IUD can come with risks. Some non-hormonal IUD risks include:
Bleeding or spotting. Some people can get heavier periods after the IUD is put in. This usually gets better after a few months. Some people get spotting between their periods, too.
Pelvic infections and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It’s fairly rare, but you can get pelvic infections or inflammation. This usually happens within the first few weeks after the IUD goes in.
Uterine perforation. Rarely, you can get a hole or tear in your uterus. This typically happens when your doctor inserts the IUD.
Ectopic pregnancy. If pregnancy happens with an IUD, you’re at a higher risk for ectopic pregnancy. It’s a life-threatening but treatable condition. Ectopic means the fertilized egg grows outside of your womb (uterus).
No STD protection. A non-hormonal IUD doesn’t protect you from STDs.
Keep in mind that a copper IUD may not be a good fit for everyone. A non-hormonal IUD may not be an option if you:
- Are already or trying to become pregnant (IUDs can cause miscarriage)
- Have a uterus problem preventing IUD insertion (such as noncancerous fibroids)
- Have uterine or cervical cancer treatments
- Have IUD or copper allergies
- Have Wilson’s disease (in which copper builds up in your body)
Why Choose Non-Hormonal IUDs or Other Non-Hormonal Birth Control?
Non-hormonal birth control methods, like the copper IUD, can offer you more benefits. The main benefit is not changing your hormones. Other well-known options include condoms, spermicides, barrier methods, and abstinence.
These non-hormonal methods are reversible, long-lasting, and easy to use. They can also be trusted and work well.
Hormonal contraceptives, like the birth control pill and hormonal implants, change your hormones. They can keep your body from getting pregnant. But these methods might not be a good choice if you:
- Have to remember to take the pill at the same time every day
- Need to see a doctor to have the device fitted or put in
- Aren’t protected against STDs
- Can have a higher chance of side effects like blood clots, mood swings, breast cancer, or weight gain
- May not have sex often enough to need ongoing birth control
- May pass hormones to your baby if you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding)
Other Types of Non-Hormonal Birth Control
Your chances of getting pregnant in a given year can change. And your birth control method matters, too. A copper IUD means less than 1 in 100 pregnancies happen within the first year. If you use spermicides, your chance for pregnancy can be more than 1 in 4.
Barrier methods
These methods physically come between the egg and sperm. A barrier stops the sperm before it can fertilize the egg.
What is it? It’s a saucer-shaped silicone cup that holds spermicide. Your doctor must first fit the diaphragm for you. It is put into your vagina. The silicone blocks semen (sperm) from entering your womb.
How well does it work? About 17 out of every 100 people correctly using a diaphragm get pregnant in a year. But the odds double if you don’t always use it or don’t use it the typical way. If you're unsure about how to use your diaphragm, ask your health care provider.
Pros and cons. Your diaphragm is small enough to carry. You can put it in just before you have sex. But you must keep your diaphragm in for at least eight hours after sex. It’s reusable for 12 months. If you decide you want to start a family, stop using it.
A diaphragm won’t protect you from STDs. You also have a higher chance for vaginal or urinary tract infections. Learn about the best ways to prevent a UTI.
Cervical cap
What is it? It looks like its name: a little hat-shaped piece of silicone. The cap is put over your cervix. It keeps out sperm. Your doctor will need to fit your cap. You’ll also use it with spermicide.
How well does it work? About 22 out of every 100 people using the cervical cap get pregnant in a year.
Pros and cons. You can leave the cervical cap on for up to 48 hours after sex. You can try to get pregnant anytime. But it isn’t widely prescribed. It can take practice to use the cap right. It won’t prevent STDs.
Cervical caps can raise your chances of bladder infections. It’s not recommended if you have sex at least three times a week. You may consider other options if you have a history of pelvic diseases. Read more on how a cervical cap works.
Sponge
What is it? Made of foam, it works the same way as a diaphragm or cervical cap. The sponge already has spermicide, and you don’t need a prescription.
How well does it work? The sponge can be among the least reliable birth control. About 9 out of 100 people who have never given birth and been correctly using the sponge get pregnant. And among those who have given birth, about 24 in 100 people correctly using the sponge get pregnant.
Pros and cons. The polyurethane foam feels like your vaginal tissue. You can have sex multiple times in a 24-hour period after inserting one. You can stop using it anytime if you want to get pregnant. The sponge won’t prevent STDs. Find out more on how to use the birth control sponge.
Copper IUD
The non-hormonal intrauterine device goes into your uterus. The copper IUD prevents pregnancy.
What is it? This plastic piece looks like the letter T. The copper-wrapped plastic is toxic to sperm. This keeps the sperm from swimming through the vagina to your egg.
How well does it work? IUDs are some of the best-working forms of birth control. They prevent conception more than 99% of the time.
Pros and cons. You can leave a copper IUD in for about a decade. So there’s nothing for you to do, daily or monthly. It can also work as emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex. But if you decide you want to get pregnant, your doctor will need to take it out.
A copper IUD doesn’t protect against STDs. The device can cause cramps or bleeding between periods. Get more information on the copper IUD and other intrauterine devices.
Spermicide
What is it? You put this chemical into your vagina to kill or paralyze sperm. You can buy spermicide over the counter. You can get it in several forms, such as gels, foams, and suppositories.
How well does it work? Spermicide alone can fail about 21 out of 100 times. You can use it with condoms, diaphragms, and other methods to help lower your chances for pregnancy.
Pros and cons. Some people are allergic or sensitive to spermicide. You may be sensitive to the main chemical used, nonoxynol-9. You shouldn’t rinse out your vagina for at least eight hours after using it. And some may leak out.
Spermicide won’t protect you against STDs, such as HIV. In fact, infections might be more likely if the chemicals irritate your vagina. Know more about the effectiveness of spermicides.
Vaginal gel
What is it? You use an applicator to put this gel in your vagina before sex. You'll need a prescription for the vaginal gel (Phexxi). It keeps the pH level in the vagina from rising. This prevents the sperm from getting to your egg.
How well does it work? About 14 out of every 100 people using vaginal gel get pregnant. But you can lower your chances for pregnancy by using it with condoms, diaphragms, or other contraceptives.
Pros and cons. You must apply vaginal gel before sex. Once the gel is in, wait 15 to 30 minutes before having sex. If you don’t have sex within the hour, reapply it. And reapply it with each sexual encounter.
Some people are allergic or sensitive to the gel. It can cause infections or irritation. And vaginal gel won’t protect against STDs, such as HIV.
External (male) condom
What is it? It’s a thin sheath, often made of latex. Some external condoms are made of polyurethane. A condom is put on the penis before having sex. The thin layer keeps semen from getting into your body.
How well does it work? It’s about 87% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Pros and cons. Condoms are the only birth control that guard against unplanned pregnancy and STDs like HIV. They’re easy to find in stores or online. Some health clinics offer them for free.
You don’t need a prescription to buy condoms. You can use them anytime and with little preparation. You must follow the instructions carefully for a condom to work. Learn more about how to use an external condom.
Internal (female) condom
What is it? It’s a lubricated tube you put inside your vagina. The tube can be made of latex, nitrile, or polyurethane. It has flexible rings on both ends. The inner ring is closed to keep out sperm.
How well does it work? In a given year, about 1 in 5 women who use female condoms get pregnant.
Pros and cons. Internal condoms also protect against STDs. You can buy them in drugstores or online. Allergies and side effects are rare. It may not be a good choice if you’re young or have a lot of sex. You can have a higher chance of getting pregnant.
You have to use a new condom every time you have sex. You need to use the interal condom the right way for it to work well. Find out more on how to use an internal condom.
Surgical methods
These are typically permanent ways to prevent pregnancy. You’ll schedule a surgery with your doctor. And you may need time off work to heal, depending on the option you choose.
Sterilization
What is it? There are different types of sterilization surgery. There's tubal ligation, bilateral salpingectomy, and vasectomy. Tubal ligation blocks, clamps, or seals your fallopian tubes. Bilateral salpingectomy removes your fallopian tubes.
Your fallopian tubes carry the egg to your womb. Both methods prevent the egg from reaching your uterus. Vasectomy seals the tubes carrying your sperm. After surgery, the sperm can’t get out of your testes.
How well does it work? These surgeries can prevent pregnancy. About 99 out of every 100 surgeries are successful.
Pros and cons. All the surgeries are considered permanent. But in some cases, you may be able to “reverse” a vasectomy. Successful reversal surgeries depend on timing and other health conditions.
Sterilization doesn’t prevent STDs. As with any surgery, there’s a risk of problems. You can bleed or get an infection. Get more information on birth control and sterilization.
Behavioral methods
There are different ways you can act to prevent pregnancy. Many methods attempt to not have sex during your most fertile time. Other methods lower the amount of sperm reaching the egg.
Outercourse and the pull-out method
What is it? “Outercourse” is sexual activity where the penis doesn’t go into the vagina at all. In the withdrawal or “pull-out” method, the penis is removed before ejaculation.
How well does it work? There’s no risk of pregnancy with outercourse. But the pull-out method isn’t very reliable. About 22 out of every 100 people using pull-out as the only birth control method get pregnant.
Pros and cons. The pull-out and outercourse methods are simple and free. If there’s no vaginal, oral, or anal penetration, outercourse carries a very low risk of STDs. The pull-out method doesn’t protect against STDs. It can also be hard to get the timing right. Read more about the withdrawal method.
Natural family planning
What is it? This is when you track your menstrual cycle. You'll log your vaginal discharge and body temperature, too. It can tell you the days you’re likely to be fertile.
You’ll skip sex or use a barrier method on fertile days. It’s also known as the rhythm method or fertility awareness.
How well does it work? About 2 to 23 in 100 people using this birth control method get pregnant.
Pros and cons. There are no side effects. It’s best if you have very regular cycles. But it can still be hard to tell exactly when you’re ovulating. You have to actively monitor your body temperature and keep records.
Natural family planning doesn’t protect against STDs. Know more about natural family planning methods for birth control.
Non-hormonal IUD FAQs
How does a non-hormonal IUD work?
It’s called the foreign body effect. The womb reacts to the non-hormonal IUD with inflammation. This reaction kills and slows down the sperm. Adding copper wire to the IUD helps raise the toxic effect. And it prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
What are the benefits of using a non-hormonal IUD?
Non-hormonal IUDs don’t use hormones. So you’ll lower your risk for side effects such as bleeding or blood clots. It can be cheaper, too. It’s also a long-term method to prevent pregnancy. The IUD is already in, so you won’t need to do anything before sex. And it can be used for emergency birth control within five days of unprotected sex.
How long does a non-hormonal IUD last?
A copper IUD can be put in place for up to 10 years (a decade). It can last for a very long time. But you can have it removed anytime — just ask your doctor.
Are there any side effects of using a non-hormonal IUD?
You can have heavier periods, especially in your first cycle after it's in. You may also get more pain, cramping, or spotting with your periods. Many of these symptoms usually lessen the longer your IUD stays in.
Can a non-hormonal IUD be removed at any time?
You can ask your doctor to remove your copper IUD at any time. You will need your doctor to remove it, though.
