copper iud time duration

Hi, My question is about potential problems with leaving in an IUD long term. In 2002 I had a copper IUD inserted. I still have it, although the stated lifetime was 5 years. It causes me no known problems. I am 45 years old, not in a stable relationship, but occasionally sexually active. My question are (i) is the IUD still likely to be effective against pregnancy (I think its physical presence is likely to have a contraceptive impact, even if the copper concentration might be lower than ‘ideal’ for chemical mode-of-action), and (ii) are there any potential side effects/complications from leaving an IUD in long term? At present I am intending to keep it until I am certain to have completed menopause.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Many of the copper IUDs have a 10 year lifetime, so you might want to double check with your doctor -- some of them were initially 5 and then extended to 10 years.
There is no harm in leaving it in beyond the 5 years, and it should provide some reduction in pregnancy risk by its physical presence as you suspect.  It may be somewhat less effective than it previously was if the "warranty" has truly expired.
This may be partially offset by your age (sorry!).  If you were my patient, I would probably say it's allright to keep it and use condoms too.
Good luck!
Dr B