10) Copper Versus Hormonal IUD: What’s the Difference? (Talking IUC with Dr. D)

IMPORTANT 2023 UPDATE re: IUD DURATION OF USE- US FDA now approves 52mg levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena, Liletta) for 8 YEARS use for contraception. When treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding is the primary indication, best results are usually seen in the first 5 years. Kyleena (19.5mg) is still 5 years. See video #35 for info on copper IUD extended use.

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Dr. Kristina Dervaitis, an OB/Gyn in Newmarket, Ontario, answers your IUD questions:

What are the differences between the copper and the hormonal (levonorgestrel) IUD?
What are the similarities?

Please note: this channel is provided as a volunteer public health education initiative (not for profit, no industry support, the channel is not monetized with ads). Dr. Dervaitis received her MD in 2000 and completed her OB/Gyn residency training in 2005 at Western University.

[ginginwhoo]

This video was very informative and I found it extremely helpful! Thank you for posting!!!

[haileyhillier]

I was panicking and your videos helped me so very much. Thank you for helping women all over find comfort and an understanding.

[ivetterodriguezleach]

I got the 10 yr copper iud. My period is literally non existent. & if i do get my period it's just spotting. Its been 9 yrs now and still not really having barely any bleeding monthly. Idk guess like you said everyone is different. I love it! 🙌🏻💗

[jaheje]

The first copper IUD I had, I expelled. I live in the US and got an invoice about $1, 200. I then had to pay for the exam in full and pay for a completely new copper IUD out-of-pocket as well. The US Healthcare System is messed up.

[BMXLover]

this was so helpful in so many ways. thank you so much for posting this

[taryn_mcmanus]

I really appreciate you putting this together💗

[dr.kristinadervaitis]

To Haven Valentine-
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I am so happy to hear that you found my videos useful! 😊
All the best,
Dr. Dervaitis

[torihill]

I have a very bad experience with anything that even slightly messes with my hormones and doctors havent really figured out why. Antidepressants, birth control, even marijuana and some antibiotics make my body very on edge and I tingle as if my whole body is asleep, a similar sensation to when your hand falls asleep except everywhere including my face and neck and legs. Non hormonal is my only option and I hope it works without any problems!

[dr.kristinadervaitis]

Hi Stephen-
It is not uncommon for the strings not to be visible- they are often just tucked into the cervical canal and can be retrieved using instruments that most gynaecologists have available in their offices. In this situation, the doctor may order an ultrasound to check on the location of the IUD, to ensure it is still in proper position. Please see also my video #13: IUD Removal FAQ.
-Dr. Dervaitis

[sukienukie]

I’ve had both. Recently got another copper IUD and already wishing I’d gone with a Mirena again... 🙄 Hopefully it’ll get better very soon... the pain and constant bleeding is awful, and not like my first copper IUD experience! Gotta love being female!
Thanks so much for this awesome series Dr D!! 💫💫

[ToddyTornado]

Allot of girls at work and some friends have been talking about iuds and i have no clue what the difference was, let alone how an iud works. Now ill be going into the conversation with some actual knowledge! haha. Thanks for the video. very informative!

[GhostFace]

Getting my Mirena IUD after my first baby was a great decision! I’ve had it in for about 6 months. No complaints, only the good side effect of having essentially no period while still ovulating. Thanks Dr. D for such informative videos that helped me make this decision about my birth control.

[BeetleBytez]

I've been thinking about getting an IUD and I've ended up making myself anxious but your videos helped me relax a bit.
I'm a forgetful person so the pill definitely wouldn't be good and I'm just wanting a long term easy solution.

[zapatoshigs]

Thank you for your videos, you have helped me choose my contraception, by making the IUD insertion very not scary (it hurt a bit but I got through it easily!). So I've had a copper IUD for about 2 months now. It's been okay, but I was wondering if it's true that the side effects (cramping and heavier flow) do decrease over time. I can't find much in terms of studies to back this fact up, and people telling their experiences on reddit generally seem to have had horrendous experiences ! (I think it was you who mentioned the bias in the experiences you could find on the internet, and I appreciated this point a lot.

[queendee]

I have the copper iud it definitely does not have hormones my period does come longer days and heavier but what's the percentage of pregnancy with this IUD?

[lf]

I love your glasses!
I started HRT for hot flashes 2 months ago. Patch and 12 days of progesterone pill. I felt great but gained 10 lbs. (My weight usually doesn't fluctuate). I got the mirena IUD 3 days ago and feel crampy, swollen breasts, lower back pain. Does this go away?
Also, does this cause weight gain? I was told the progesterone stays in your uterus only rather than the pill which travels throughout the body. If that is the case, why do some women get acne, or gain weight?
PS, I need those glasses!

[cathysolis]

Hi Dr D, thank you for making this video, it’s very informative & easy to understand. I’m an ICU RN & I’m glad to see Drs like you share their knowledge. I’m 43, married, 2 kids, first period came at 10 y/o, my period has always been irregular, I was on the pills for many years, about 6 mos ago, I got off the pills ( was not sexually active) Recently got the Biote HRT, implanted a small amount of testosterone in me ( to help with depression & overall well being). I do have uterine fibroids & cervical cyst. Doc mentioned hysterectomy a while back, I’m considering getting an IUD. Given all the info, which IUD would be best for me? Also, how would I know if I’m in menopause period if I’m not having period being on IUD?

[alexistinoco]

Mines came out I had it for ten days ! 😫 i had the copper one I felt for my string and it was all the way out so I pulled it out .. I was really hoping it worked for me I’m not sure what to try next the depo made me bleed the whole time

[stephenfollett]

Should you be concerned if the Dr can't find the string. Iud mirena.

[saludosalsol]

I originally had the copper IUD for four months, so 4 cycles, and all were extremely painful, heavy, and crampy. I’ve never even had painful periods or cramps before, I’ve always had light/medium periods, very easy and pain-free. Do you think I waited long enough to see if the pain would subside? Because I had heard that after the 3rd cycle your pain should lessen and mine didn’t. Part of me wonders if I had waited longer if it would have evened out. After I had it removed I became pregnant shortly after and terminated the pregnancy which was very traumatic for me so I never want to go through that again. So luckily now I’m on the Mirena. It’s only been 3 weeks so I can’t say how the effects are yet. But in your experience do you see the pain go away in the copper IUD? How long does it usually take and does the pain ever go way or just lessen? I just wonder if I had kept it longer if it would have been different but I was in a lot of pain.