Non-Hormonal IUDs With Sydney's Reproductive Health Specialists
A non-hormonal option that's over 99% effective, and can be a more comfortable choice if you're sensitive to hormonal contraception or simply don't want one.
What is an IUD?
The copper IUD is a small plastic ‘T’-shaped device with medical-grade copper wire wrapped around its stem, placed into the uterus where it acts as a spermicide, making the environment toxic and inhospitable to sperm and fertilised eggs. Two versions are available in Australia: one lasting 5 years, the other up to 10.
It works by slowing an egg’s movement so sperm can’t reach and fertilise it, changing the womb lining to make implantation difficult, and creating an environment unsuitable for sperm. It’s also the only IUD licensed for emergency contraception, insertable within 5 days of intercourse.
Why choose Clinic 66
Our experienced doctors have delivered specialised sexual and reproductive healthcare for over 25 years, with professional sedationists on hand so you can choose local anaesthetic or IV sedation, whichever suits your comfort level. You’ll be informed at every stage, with every question answered by a team committed to your health, so you can make a confident, informed decision that feels right for you.
Before your insertion
Clinic 66 requires a pre-IUD evaluation consultation to assess your suitability first, covering your medical history, lifestyle and sexual health. As individual needs vary, we take your circumstances into account to provide a tailored plan, so you have the right information to make a confident decision about your contraceptive journey.
What it costs
$380-$550
Insertion without sedation
- Device itself costs around $80, not PBS-subsidised
- Medicare rebate covers the consultation and procedure, not the device
- Bulk billing is rarely offered for copper IUDs in NSW
No Medicare card? Health or travel insurance may cover the cost depending on your policy. For an accurate quote, please call our reception team. See Fees & Charges.
Six steps, start to finish
From your first assessment through to aftercare, here's what to expect.
Step
What happens
1. Assessment
Book a pre-IUD insertion assessment, in-clinic or by telehealth, to assess your suitability and preferences.
2. Consultation
We cover your medical history and preferences to help you decide between a hormonal or non-hormonal IUD; suitability varies from patient to patient.
3. Examination
A pelvic exam usually isn't needed, though STI testing beforehand is recommended, since undiagnosed infections can raise device-related infection risk.
4. Sedation
Choose IV twilight sedation, or oral/inhaled pain relief and local anaesthetic; your choice may add a few hours to the appointment.
5. Insertion
The appointment takes about 60 minutes total, though the insertion itself is only around 5 minutes; sedation extends this to 2-3 hours.
6. Aftercare
We monitor you in-clinic for immediate side effects and equip you with everything you need to know for when you get home.
Two qualified medical professionals are present for any insertion requiring sedation.
Suitability at a glance
Copper IUD suitability varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors.
Who can use a copper IUD?
Who should not?
Wanting long-term, hormone-free birth control
Heavy or painful periods
Wanting an easy, reliable, reversible option
An active pelvic inflammation
Needing emergency contraception, inserted within 5 days
Undiagnosed or abnormal vaginal bleeding
Recently had a baby, vaginally or by caesarean
High STI risk
Never been pregnant
A copper allergy or Wilson's disease
Your consultation will confirm what’s right for your circumstances.
Pros and cons
Like any medical device, it's worth considering the full picture before choosing a copper IUD.
Pros
Cons
No daily pill needed; a set-and-forget method
Doesn't protect against STIs
Starts working immediately; usable as emergency contraception
Irregular bleeding is possible in the first few months
Fertility returns as soon as it's removed
Periods can be heavier and more painful than before
No hormones involved
A small risk of the IUD coming out by itself
Safe while breastfeeding or if hormones aren't an option
A small, rare risk of uterine perforation
Also available: the hormonal Mirena IUD, compared below.
Mirena vs Copper IUD
Both are highly effective, but they differ in some key ways, worth considering before you commit.
Feature
Mirena IUD
Copper IUD
Type
Hormonal
Non-hormonal
How it works
Releases progestin to thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining
Copper ions create an environment toxic to sperm, preventing fertilisation
Duration
Up to 8 years
Up to 10 years
Effectiveness
Over 99%
Over 99%
Effect on periods
Often lighter, shorter, or absent over time
Can be heavier, longer or crampier, especially early on
Hormonal side effects
Possible: mood changes, acne, breast tenderness
None; no hormones involved
Best suited for
Those wanting lighter periods or hormonal symptom relief
Those wanting a hormone-free option
Emergency contraception?
No
Yes, if inserted within 5 days
Both are inserted and removed by a trained clinician.
Copper IUD FAQs
How do copper IUDs prevent pregnancy?
A small plastic device is inserted into the uterus, with a copper wire wrapped around it that releases copper ions. These are toxic to sperm, immediately creating an environment unsuitable for fertilisation, making it about 99.5% effective.
How effective is a copper IUD at preventing pregnancy?
Over 99% effective, and it starts working immediately after insertion. It can also be used as emergency contraception, as long as it’s inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
How much does a copper IUD cost in NSW?
Expect to pay between $380 and $550 for insertion without sedation; the exact fee depends on the clinic and whether sedation is used. There’ll almost certainly be a gap between the Medicare rebate and the fee.
Are Medicare rebates available for copper IUDs in NSW?
Yes, under the Australian Government’s Women’s Health Package, rebates apply to the consultation and insertion or removal procedure, though not the device itself. Out-of-pocket costs vary by clinic.
Is bulk billing available for copper IUDs in NSW?
Only rarely for the consultation, removal or insertion. You’ll still need to pay for the device itself, around $80, since it isn’t PBS-subsidised. Worth discussing all fees with your clinic beforehand.
How painful is copper IUD insertion?
It varies from person to person, from mild pressure to more significant cramping. There are various sedation and pain relief options if you’re anxious about discomfort.
How long does copper IUD insertion take?
About one hour without sedation, or two to three hours with it. Only around five minutes is the actual insertion; the rest is spent on aftercare and recovery monitoring.
Do I need a referral from my GP for copper IUD insertion?
Usually not, at a dedicated practice like Clinic 66. You’ll still need a consultation to discuss suitability, even if you’ve already spoken with your GP, and we keep a range of devices in stock so there’s no need for a separate pharmacy visit.
How should I prepare for my copper IUD insertion appointment?
Avoid unprotected sex for 3 weeks beforehand, since an IUD can’t be inserted if you might be pregnant; a pregnancy test is done first. It can be inserted at any point in your cycle, but the first seven days is usually preferred.
You're in good hands
The best doctors, nurses and facilities, for the best possible care.
Talk to us, in confidence
No referral, no judgement. Call or text for a confidential chat, or book online whenever you're ready.
Copper IUD at a glance
Effectiveness
>99% (both types)
Duration
5-10 years, by type
Insertion time
~1 hr (2-3 hrs with sedation)
Emergency use
Yes, within 5 days
Cost
$380-$550 (no sedation)
Medicare
Covers consult & procedure
Before you come in
No unprotected sex for 3 weeks prior; a pregnancy test is done first.
Contact Information
- Chatswood in-person:
- 31 Bertram St, Chatswood NSW 2067
- info@clinic66.com.au
- 0429 133 599
- National Telehealth:
- online@clinic66.com.au
- 0428 329 287
In the event of an emergency, go to your nearest emergency department.