Copper spiral
The copper spiral is an intrauterine device, it is inserted directly into the uterus. There are variants made of copper or with copper-gold alloy. Copper ions have an inhibitory effect on sperm, and also cause a local sterile inflammatory reaction, which prevents the implantation of the egg. The mechanism of action is very effective, resulting in a very low Pearl Index of 0.3-0.8, which means that out of 1,000 sexually active women, 3-8 become pregnant within one year.
Copper chain
The mechanism of action corresponds to that of the copper spiral. The advantage is an individual adjustment of the length by inserting or removing copper rings. This is especially positive for young patients who have not yet had a pregnancy.
Their uterus is much smaller and a conventional spiral may not have enough room. The individual adjustment ensures that the entire length of the uterus is supplied with copper ions. The Pearl index is therefore slightly lower than that of the conventional copper coil and is 0.1-0.5.
Nuva Ring
The Nuva ring is a plastic ring coated with hormones such as estrogen and progestins. It is inserted into the vagina once a month and left there for 3 weeks. The mechanism of action corresponds to that of the pill.
The hormones are released continuously. The lining of the uterus is altered in such a way that it is not possible for the egg to implant. If the Nuva ring is placed correctly, it has a similar Pearl index to the pill. It is 0.25-1.18. The disadvantage of this method is that the ring may slip out or break unnoticed, hence the greater range of the Pearl index.
Copper ball
The copper ball is a relatively new method of contraception. The mechanism of action corresponds to that of the copper spiral and copper chain. Copper ions have an inhibitory effect on sperm and prevent the implantation of the egg cell through local sterile inflammatory reactions. The advantage of this is that, unlike the copper chain, the copper ball does not need to be anchored in the uterus and can be removed without any problems. The Pearl index corresponds to that of the copper spiral and is 0.3-0.8.
