People Often Ask about Copper IUDs: Period Cups, Duration, STIs, Heavy Periods, and Sex

People Often Ask

Can I use a menstrual cup or disc with a copper IUD?

Using a menstrual cup or disc with a copper IUD is usually fine, but there are a few rules if you don’t want to risk dislodging it. Yes, there is a small increased risk of pulling the IUD out if you yank a cup out without breaking the seal or if the strings get caught. To lower that risk: make sure the IUD strings are trimmed to a comfortable length, always fully break the suction seal before removing your cup/disc, and avoid aggressive downward pulling. Some people prefer to stick with pads or period underwear for the first 1–3 cycles while everything settles. If you suddenly feel your strings get much longer, or your cup keeps ‘catching’ them, get your IUD position checked.

How long does a copper IUD last, and how fast can I get pregnant after removal?

Most copper IUDs (like Paragard) are FDA-approved for up to 10 years, and data suggests they may remain highly effective a bit longer in some users. Once it’s removed, there’s no hormone washout period—you were ovulating the whole time. That means you can get pregnant as soon as your next ovulation, which can be within weeks. Some people even conceive in their first cycle post-removal. If you want a fertility buffer after removal, use condoms or another method immediately. If you’re trying to conceive, start tracking ovulation (cervical mucus, LH strips, basal temp) right away; your natural cycle should slide back into its usual rhythm quickly.

Does a copper IUD protect against STIs?

No. A copper IUD is incredible at preventing pregnancy, but it does nothing to protect you from sexually transmitted infections. In fact, getting an IUD inserted while you have an untreated STI can raise your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in the short term. That’s why many clinics test for chlamydia and gonorrhea before or at insertion. If you have new or multiple partners, or a partner who isn’t monogamous, use condoms or internal condoms along with your IUD. Think of the copper IUD as your ‘no babies’ shield and condoms as your ‘no infections’ shield—you deserve both.

Is a copper IUD or hormonal IUD better if I already have heavy periods?

If you naturally have heavy, painful periods, a copper IUD can make that worse, especially in the first 3–6 months. Hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla) release a small amount of progestin directly into the uterus and commonly make periods lighter—some people even stop bleeding altogether after a while. The trade-off: hormonal IUDs may have systemic side effects for some (mood shifts, acne, breast tenderness), though doses are much lower than the pill. If you’re prioritizing lighter, more manageable periods, a hormonal IUD often makes more sense. If you’re dead set on hormone-free and can tolerate heavier bleeding, copper is the move. You’re not locked in forever—if your body hates it, you can switch.

Can I feel my copper IUD during sex, or can my partner feel it?

You shouldn’t feel the IUD itself—it lives inside your uterus—but you might occasionally feel the strings near your cervix with your fingers. Some partners can feel the strings during penetrative sex, especially right after insertion when they’re stiffer. Over a few weeks, the strings usually soften and curl up along the cervix, becoming less noticeable. If sex suddenly becomes painful, you feel poking, or your partner feels something hard, get it checked—your IUD might have shifted. You’re also allowed to ask your provider to trim the strings shorter if they’re annoying anyone. Comfort during sex is not a ‘bonus feature’; it’s the baseline.If you’re still untangling questions, weird symptoms, or just want someone to help you pattern-match what your body’s doing, bring it all to Gush. Treat it like the group chat that actually knows anatomy and won’t gaslight you about your pain.