Internet myths debunked: copper spirals edition

Everyone looks up something about health and lifestyle from time to time. The internet is full of valuable information. Unfortunately, 'doctor Google' is sometimes wrong too. It can be difficult to distinguish between what is correct and what is not. That's where we like to lend a hand! We limit ourselves to our specialism: copper spirals. Which internet myths are not or not entirely true?

This idea comes from the erroneous notion that a copper IUD works only by preventing the implantation of the egg. As a result, there would be a 'mini-abortion' every month. Fortunately, we can tell you that this is not true. A copper IUD works mainly by turning off the man's sperm cells. As a result, fertilisation does not occur at all! The egg perishes as it would have done in another cycle without fertilisation. After that, you get your period. Very occasionally, it may happen that anyway a fertilisation occurs. In that case, a copper IUD prevents this fertilised egg from implanting.

A copper IUD prevents you from becoming pregnant. The copper IUD works by releasing copper ions, which leads to a reaction in the uterus. This prevents sperm from surviving and makes the endometrium less suitable for implantation of a fertilised egg. If you have the copper spiral removed, you are immediately fertile again. So you can get pregnant again immediately. A copper IUD simply does not lead to infertility.

Copper coils are also suitable for women who have not had children. Women who have never given birth may well have a slightly smaller uterus. Sometimes an IUD can then be too big for a smaller uterus. Fortunately, spirals have been developed that fit a smaller uterus, such as the Multi-Safe short. A healthcare provider therefore always measures the uterine length first and can then place a suitable IUD.

Let's get right to the point: a copper spiral does not cause infections. Spirals come in sterile packaging. Sterile means 'free of germs', such as bacteria and viruses. The healthcare provider then makes sure he or she places the IUD sterile. This minimises the chance of an IUD causing an infection. However, there is a slightly higher risk of infection after insertion if someone has a sexually transmitted disease at the time the IUD is placed. This is why a healthcare provider will ask about this and sometimes require a soatest advises. Ultimately, only 1.6 per 1,000 women get an infection after IUD placement. Your healthcare provider can tell you what symptoms you should contact. Infections can be treated well.

Do you have any questions following this article? Feel free to ask our medical team. Send an e-mail to medical@titushealthcare.nl or fill in the contact form In.

This blog was compiled with the help of:

• NHG Standard Contraception
• Package leaflet T-Safe
• First-aid-case.co.uk - What does it mean when something is sterile?