First-lineT-Safe / Nova-T
Copper intrauterine device
Non-hormonal LARC / emergency contraception
Most effective EC (< 0.1% failure) — up to 5 days.
Intrauterine
First-line for
- LARC (5–10 y depending on device)
- Emergency contraception up to 120 h post-UPSI or up to 5 days after earliest ovulation
Mechanism
Copper ions are directly spermicidal and inhibit fertilisation; inflammatory endometrial reaction blocks implantation.
"5 & 5"
- EC within 5 days of UPSI
- or 5 days after earliest ovulation
- Most effective EC available
Dosing
- Regimen
- Single device, replace 5–10 y depending on brand/age
Contraindications
- AbsoluteCurrent PID/STI, unexplained bleeding, uterine cavity distortion, pregnancy
- CautionWilson's disease, copper allergy
Side effects
- Heavier / longer / more painful periods (~20% remove for this)
- Perforation ~1/1000
- Expulsion 3–5%
Fetal & maternal notes
- • If pregnancy occurs with IUD in situ — remove if threads visible (↓ miscarriage)
Key interactions
Enzyme inducers
OKNo effect
Clinical pearls
- 💡 Only method offering both LARC + EC in one insertion
- 💡 Not affected by BMI or malabsorption
Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)
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