Copper IUDs, infection and infertility

Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) that contain 300 mm2 or more of copper offer a cheap and effective form of contraception, with pregnancy rates below 1 per 100 woman-years. However, because of an association between early copper-free devices, infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), confidence in the use of IUDs generally has been undermined. Here we review their safety as currently used. We do not consider their use as emergency contraception.