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Depending on the type, a single IUD is approved for 5 to 10 years, and trials have demonstrated the copper T 380A to be effective for at least 12 years.

Copper's role in increasing IUD efficacy would not be recognized until nearly 40 years later.

The Chinese government banned production of steel IUDs in 1993 due to high Comparison_of_birth_control_methods#Effectiveness_of_various_methods|failure rates (up to 10% per year).

These devices had higher surface areas of copper, and for the first time consistently achieved effectiveness rates of greater than 99%. Worldwide today, with the exception of the new GyneFix, this is the only type of non-hormonal IUD available.

Hormonal intra-uterine contraceptives are considered a different form of contraception from copper IUDs, and they are distinguished with the term IntraUterine System or IUS.

The Paragard T 380a is 32 mm (1.26") in the horizontal direction (top of the T), and 36 mm (1.42") in the vertical direction (leg of the T). In some IUDs, such as the Nova T 380, the pure copper wire has a silver core which has been shown to prevent breaking of the wire.

The GyneFix is held in place by a suture to the fundus of the uterus. All copper-containing IUDs have a number as part of their name. This is the surface area of copper (in square millimeters) the IUD provides.

Contrel also manufactures the FibroPlant-LNG, a frameless IUS. FibroPlant is anchored to the fundus of the uterus as the GyneFix IUD is. Although a number of trials have shown positive results, FibroPlant is not yet commercially available.

However, IUDs may safely be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle as long as it is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.

On average, menstrual blood loss increases by 2050% after insertion of a copper-T IUD; increased menstrual discomfort is the most common medical reason for IUD removal.

Expulsion is more common in younger women, women who have not had children, and when an IUD is inserted immediately after childbirth or abortion. Women should check the string of the IUD at least once per menstrual cycle to verify that it is still in place.

However, of pregnancies that do occur during IUD use, a higher than expected percentage (34%) are ectopic.

It also increases the risk of premature delivery. Although the Dalkon Shield IUD was associated with septic abortions (infections associated with miscarriage), other brands of IUD are not. IUDs are also not associated with birth defects or other pregnancy complications.

It is still the only copper IUD approved for use in the U.S., and was used by 1.3% of women of reproductive age in a 2002 U.S. survey.

Source: Wikipedia > Intrauterine Device