Copper IUD
vs
Pill

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

Side-by-side comparison

Method
Copper IUD

Copper IUD

A small copper device placed in the uterus that works for up to 10 years and is over 99% effective.
Pill

Pill

No non-hormonal birth control pill is FDA-approved in the US. Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is approved and used in India.
Efficacy99.2% typical use

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Limited evidence see details

Limited evidence: no verifiable efficacy data available.

Cost$0–$1,424

Insurance: Usually

Contact provider

Insurance: Varies

DurationUp to 10 yearsWeekly pill (ongoing)
ReversibilityReversibleReversible
STI ProtectionNoNo
How it works

Releases copper ions into the uterus that make the environment toxic to sperm and may prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.

Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg in the endometrium. It does not suppress ovulation and does not contain estrogen or progestin. It is not FDA-approved in the US.

PrescriptionRequired Prescription requiredRequired Prescription required
Available Products5 products1 product
Side effects
  • Heavier or longer periods (especially first few months)
  • Increased cramping
  • Spotting between periods
  • Small risk of uterine perforation at insertion
  • Menstrual irregularities (delayed or altered periods; common, about 8-12% of users)
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Breast tenderness
Who shouldn't use this
  • Active pelvic infection or PID (FDA label Category 4)
  • Uterine anomaly preventing insertion (FDA label Category 4)
  • Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder) (FDA label Category 4)
  • Known copper allergy (FDA label Category 4)
  • Current pregnancy (FDA label Category 4)
  • Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS)
  • Recent history of jaundice or hepatic impairment
  • Renal impairment
  • Cervical hyperplasia or chronic cervicitis
  • Pregnancy
  • Hypersensitivity to ormeloxifene