<unk>  are a form of long-acting reversible contraception and are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. The type of frame and amount of<unk>  can affect the effectiveness of different<unk> models. The failure rates for different models vary between 0.1 and 2.2% after 1 year of use. The T-shaped models with a surface area of 380 mm² of<unk>  have the lowest failure rates. The TCu 380A (ParaGard) has a one-year failure rate of 0.8% and a cumulative 12-year failure rate of 2.2%. Over 12 years of use, the models with less surface area of<unk>  have higher failure rates. The TCu 220A has a 12-year failure rate of 5.8%. The frameless GyneFix has a failure rate of less than 1% per year. Worldwide, older IUD models with lower effectiveness rates are no longer produced. Unlike other forms of reversible contraception, the typical use failure rate and the perfect use failure rate for the<unk>  are the same because the IUD does not depend on user action. A 2008 review of the available T-shaped<unk>  recommended that the TCu 380A and the TCu 280S be used as the first choice for<unk>  because those two models have the lowest failure rates and the longest lifespans. The effectiveness of the<unk> (failure rate of 0.8%) is comparable to tubal sterilization (failure rate of 0.5%) for the first year. However, the effects of the<unk> are reversible, which can be viewed as either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on a person's goals for contraception. Emergency contraception It was first discovered in 1976 that the<unk> could be used as a form of emergency contraception (EC). The<unk> is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It is more effective than the hormonal EC pills currently available. The pregnancy rate among those using the<unk> for EC is 0.09%. It can be used for EC up to five days after the act of unprotected sex and does not decrease in effectiveness during the five days. An additional advantage of using the<unk> for emergency contraception is that it can be used as a form of birth control for 10–12 years after insertion. Removal and return to fertility Removal of the<unk> should also be performed by a qualified medical practitioner. Fertility has been shown to return to previous levels quickly after removal of the device. One study found that the median amount of time from removal to planned pregnancy was three months for those women using the TCu 380Ag.
Copper IUDs
Hormonal IUDs
Progestogen-only pill
Vibegron
Extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive
Progesterone vaginal ring
High-dose estrogen
Lipoidal estradiol