Copper IUD Side Effects You Didn’t Expect: What You Need to Know About Its Impact on Hormones and Health

The copper IUD is often presented as the ultimate hormone-free alternative for contraception. But is it really that harmless? While the IUD itself does not contain hormones, it still significantly impacts your natural cycle and hormonal balance.

How does a copper IUD work?

A copper IUD is a small T-shaped device wrapped with a thin copper wire. This device continuously releases small amounts of copper into your body, which has two primary effects:

• Reduced sperm activity: Copper makes sperm less mobile, preventing it from reaching and fertilizing the egg.

• Changes in the uterine lining: Copper triggers a reaction that makes the uterine lining less suitable for implantation of a fertilized egg.

It may sound like an effective and hormone-free option, but there are crucial downsides that are rarely discussed.

Downsides of a copper IUD

Although copper is an essential mineral our body needs, an excess can be harmful.

• Mineral imbalance: Excess copper can lead to a deficiency in other important minerals, such as zinc. Zinc plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, tissue repair, and immune system function.

• Hormonal disruption: Your body is constantly working to detox excess copper, which can indirectly disrupt hormonal balance. This can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and an irregular cycle.

• Heavier and more painful periods: Many women experience increased menstrual pain and heavier bleeding after getting a copper IUD.

• Inflammation: Copper creates a constant mild inflammatory response in the body. This can overburden your immune system, deplete your energy levels, and slow down your body's natural recovery processes.

A balanced hormonal system is essential for a healthy female body. Any disruption can cause a variety of symptoms, often without women realizing that the copper IUD is the culprit.

How contraception influences partner choice

Did you know that contraception can even affect your choice in men?

When using hormonal contraception (such as the pill), your natural female hormones are suppressed. This shifts your attraction towards different types of men compared to when you are not on birth control.

Studies show that many women who stop taking the pill feel less attracted to their partners, leading to breakups and even divorces when children come into the picture. This happens because their hormonal balance and natural preferences shift once they stop using artificial hormones. Essentially, contraception can influence you to choose a partner who is not your best biological match. Crazy, right?

Healthy women struggle more to conceive

An interesting phenomenon: women with a naturally healthy hormonal balance often take longer to get pregnant. But why?

• Selective fertilization: A healthy menstrual cycle means the body is more selective, choosing only the best sperm cell for fertilization. This increases the chances of a successful pregnancy with a strong and healthy baby. Your body is biologically programmed to seek the perfect DNA match.

• Healthy men = better conception: Male health plays a crucial role in conception and even in pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness. It’s vital that men also maintain a healthy lifestyle to optimize sperm quality. Research shows that more than 50% of miscarriages occur due to unhealthy sperm! Read more here on how men can optimize their hormones.

My experience with contraception

I have used various types of hormonal contraception in the past, including the pill and the hormonal IUD. For a long time, I considered getting a copper IUD, thinking it was a hormone-free solution. However, I intuitively felt that I no longer wanted any external influences inside my body.

Instead, I started exploring 100% natural contraception methods, such as cycle tracking with devices like DaysyDay. This tracker is 99.4% reliable—just as effective as the pill! Currently, I am working on restoring my cycle after experiencing a 100-day delay in my menstruation.

Want to know how I’m naturally restoring my cycle?

Read my blog about my journey towards a regular and healthy cycle. I’m still in the process myself, so let’s help each other and raise more awareness on this topic!

Share your experience!

Have you used the copper IUD, cycle trackers, or any other form of contraception? Share your story and tips in the comments! I’d love to hear your insights and how you navigate contraception and hormonal balance. 💖

Xx Aimée