Copper IUD: Do You Really Know How It Works?
Many women walk into the doctor’s office already decided.
They’re looking for contraception and specifically ask for the copper IUD because it’s hormone-free.
There’s this strong sense, almost relief, that they’re making the safer, cleaner, better choice.
Like:
“I don’t want hormones. I want the natural option.” “Copper feels safer.” “At least this won’t mess with my body.”
And they’re often reassured:
“You’re right. There’s nothing to worry about.”
and I can’t help but wonder, do we really know how it works in the body?
The story women were sold goes like this:
“Copper is toxic to sperm, but completely safe for your uterus.
Your body adapts. Side effects are normal. Don’t worry.”
But when I slow it down, it falls apart logically.
Let’s talk about sperm for a second
Sperm are not weak little things.
They are:
Designed to survive acidic vaginal pH
Navigate cervical mucus
Evade immune cells
Travel all the way to the fallopian tubes
Compete with millions of others
They are literally built for hostility.
So when something is described as toxic enough to reliably disable sperm, yet somehow “harmless” to the surrounding tissue for years…
My brain goes: wait… what?
Now, this is my personal logic talking 😅
Because if you search anywhere on the internet, you’ll find the same message over and over:
“It’s safe for women.”
“There are many studies.”
“Women continue to use it.”
So I mean… who am I to question it, right? lol.
But still it has never sat right with me, and it probably never will.
How can something be toxic to a cell that comes from a human body, but not toxic to cells from another human body, just because they’re a different sex?
Maybe that makes me a rebel 😌
But I’ve always been one.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth
The copper IUD is not harmless to uterine tissue.
It works because it:
Creates chronic inflammation
Increases prostaglandins continuously (ongoing inflammatory signaling), which leads to stronger uterine contractions, more pain, and heavier bleeding
Activates immune cells
Alters the uterine environment continuously
Medicine doesn’t deny this, it just reframes it.
Instead of saying:
“This device works by irritating your uterus long-term”
It says:
“The uterus tolerates it well** in most women”
However, ladies…. 30–50% of copper IUD users report significant side effects such as heavier bleeding, stronger cramps, pelvic pain, iron deficiency?especially in the first year.
So… is it really surprising that when it’s removed, many women feel like their cycles are all over the place?
And this is where women were gaslit
Heavy bleeding? Cramping?Pelvic pain? Iron deficiency?
We’re told:
“That’s expected”, “That’s normal”, “It will settle”, “Your body adapts”
But think about how insane this sounds in any other context:
“Yes, the device causes inflammation, pain, bleeding, and immune activation but because many women endure it, it’s considered fine.”
Endurance was confused with safety.
Who sold this idea?
Not one villain. A system.
A medical model that prioritizes pregnancy prevention over female comfort
Research historically focused on efficacy, not lived experience
A culture that normalizes women’s pain
And a quiet expectation that women should “put up with it” for the greater good, to keep men comfortable!
Women weren’t encouraged to ask:
What is the long-term cost of this adaptation?
What does chronic inflammation do over years?
Why are side effects minimized instead of questioned?
Because questioning them makes people uneasy
And honestly?
There aren’t many clear answers.
Almost everywhere you look, the message is the same: “It’s safe for you and your uterus.”
But it’s hard not to wonder:
How can an environment be toxic to sperm… but completely harmless to the uterus?
The explanation usually given is this:
Sperm are single cells and are much more sensitive, The uterus is multicellular, has repair mechanisms, immune regulation, and tissue turnover, so it can tolerate inflammation better than sperm can. Ok ok thank you… but still… chronic - not acute- inflammation is not good for anybody!! In most areas of medicine, chronic inflammation is something we try to reduce, not maintain.But when it comes to the uterus, because it’s considered “resistant,” we accept keeping it chronically inflamed, who is that really serving?
So yes, this is public, and let me be very clear.
I’m not here to pull anyone away from any decision about their body or what they choose to put in it.To each their own. Truly.
My goal isn’t to scare, shame, or persuade, it’s to share information and ask questions that often aren’t encouraged.
Everything above is based on how this device actually works, and yes… ok, maybe also a little bit of my point of view 😜
You’re allowed to choose.
And you’re also allowed to question.
Both can exist at the same time. Right?
If you’ve had your own experience, questions, or doubts, you’re not alone.
Come talk to me on Instagram.
Dxoxo