What is the purpose of a Platinum Intrauterine Device (IUD)?

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Last updated: April 5, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Platinum IUDs are not a standard contraceptive option available on the market, and I strongly advise against considering them due to their high cost and lack of proven contraceptive benefits over existing materials. Currently, IUDs are typically made from plastic with either copper or hormones (levonorgestrel) as the active component. The copper IUD (such as ParaGard) works by creating a spermicidal environment in the uterus, while hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, or Skyla) release small amounts of progestin to prevent pregnancy.

  • Key points to consider when choosing an IUD include:
    • Effectiveness: Copper and hormonal IUDs have success rates over 99% 1
    • Safety: IUDs are generally safe for most women, including nulliparous adolescents 2
    • Contraindications: Certain medical conditions, such as current pelvic inflammatory disease or breast cancer, may be contraindications for IUD use 3, 4
    • Menstrual changes: Hormonal IUDs can cause changes in menstrual bleeding, while copper IUDs may increase menstrual cramping and bleeding 1 If you're interested in long-acting reversible contraception, I recommend discussing with your healthcare provider about copper or hormonal IUD options, which have extensive safety data and are widely available. The choice between copper (non-hormonal) and hormonal IUDs depends on your personal health history, preference regarding menstrual changes, and desired duration of contraceptive coverage, which ranges from 3-10 years depending on the specific device 1, 5.

From the Research

Overview of Platinum IUD

  • There is no mention of a Platinum IUD in the provided studies 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
  • The studies discuss copper and levonorgestrel IUDs, their effectiveness, and potential side effects.

Types of IUDs

  • Copper IUDs, such as the copper T 380A, are available for contraception and emergency contraception 6, 7, 9.
  • Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are also available and have been shown to be effective for contraception and emergency contraception 7, 8, 10.

Effectiveness and Side Effects

  • Copper IUDs have a failure rate of less than 1% and can prevent over 95% of unwanted pregnancies within 5 days of unprotected intercourse 9.
  • Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs have a similar failure rate and have been shown to be noninferior to copper IUDs for emergency contraception 8.
  • Potential side effects of IUDs include increased menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, and hormonal adverse effects such as headache and breast tenderness 6, 7.

Use in Specific Populations

  • IUDs can be used in adolescents, nulliparous women, and breastfeeding women 7, 10.
  • IUDs may also be used in women with a history of sexually transmitted infection, although screening is recommended 7.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Intrauterine devices: an update.

American family physician, 2014

Research

Intrauterine devices.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology, 2002

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.