Which type of copper IUD is right for you? A comparison guide

You've thought carefully about which contraceptive method suits you and have decided on a copper IUD. But what types of copper coils are there? You may be wondering: which copper IUD is best for me?

Below you will find more information on the most commonly used copper IUDs in the Netherlands and their main characteristics. Which IUD is best for you depends on many factors which can make it quite difficult to choose. For example, the size of your uterus, your previous experiences or the cost can all play a role. Every woman is different. Therefore, always discuss with your healthcare provider which IUD is most suitable for you. He or she can advise you which type of copper IUD is best suited to your body and personal situation.

T-Safe is the most widely used copper spiral in the Netherlands and is of high quality. T-Safe is a T-shaped copper spiral with 380 mm² copper and is preferred by the Dutch College of General Practitioners. The copper is distributed on the stem and arms of the plastic frame. T-Safe has high reliability and protects against pregnancy for 10 years. Of course, you can also use T-Safe for a shorter period. Want to know more about T-Safe? Then read on at this page or download the information leaflet.

Another type of copper spiral is the Multi-Safe. This is a horseshoe-shaped copper spiral with 375 mm² copper. Multi-Safe protects against pregnancy for 5 years and is also a good choice, according to the Dutch College of General Practitioners. Before inserting the IUD, your healthcare provider will measure the length of your uterus. Multi-Safe is suitable for women with a uterine length from 6 centimetres. Multi-Safe short can be placed as early as 5 centimetres uterus length. This IUD is therefore suitable for women with a smaller uterus. Read more about Multi-Safe (short) at multi-safe.co.uk.

Flexi-T is an IUD with flexible rounded arms. There are three types of Flexi-T: the Flexi-T 300, Flexi-T+ 300 and Flexi-T+ 380. All Flexi-T coils are safe for up to 5 years.

• Flexi-T 300 has 300 mm² copper on the stem and is suitable for women with a smaller uterus from 5 centimetres.
• Flexi-T+ 300 also has 300 mm² copper on the stem and is suitable for women with a uterine length from 6 centimetres.
• Flexi-T+ 380 has more copper, namely 380 mm² copper that is divided between the stem and the arms of the frame. Flexi-T+ 380 can be used by women with a uterine length from 6 centimetres.

You can read all the ins and outs about Flexi-T spirals at flexi-t.co.uk.

There are alternative spirals for women who do not respond as well to other copper spirals. The Gynefix copper coil, for example, is a wire with four copper ferrules attached. This IUD requires a special insertion technique and is therefore less easily applicable for most healthcare providers. Gynefix may be a solution for women who have previously lost an IUD (expulsion). It also Ballerine copper IUD can be an alternative, for example for women who do not respond as well to other copper IUDs. Ballerine is a small, round copper spiral with copper balls and a flexible frame.