FAQs

What are the risks involved with copper IUDs?

We see that the IUD is typically made with a copper component and want to understand the risks. What are the biological/toxic/carcinogenic risks associated with the use of copper in the body? What is the frequency of occurrence? Is an IUD considered an implant?

Answer

The absorption of the copper component of an IUD is a tiny amount, so little, it is only just detectable in the blood. By far the majority of the small amount of copper which is lost over the years goes out in the vaginal fluid. There is no evidence of any IUD causing cancer whether it is copper or hormone releasing variety. Women with an allergy to copper or suffering from Wilson's disease are not advised to use a copper bearing IUD .

An IUD is an intra uterine device not an implant as it does not actually go into body tissue. (whereas for example, the Implanon implant which is inserted under the skin of a womans arm) The IUD is placed in the cavity, or the hollow part of the uterus where it stays because the opening is generally too small for it to come out on its own.