IUD (intrauterine device) — substances released
Intrauterine device (copper or hormonal)
Evidence level : Established Medication & treatmentsMechanism : Medication burden
🟢 A link with fertility is documented by numerous, converging human studies, endorsed by health authorities.
- Where it's found
- Copper IUD (continuously releases copper ions) or hormonal IUD (locally diffuses a synthetic progestin, levonorgestrel).
- Suspected mechanism
- The copper IUD causes local inflammation of the endometrium and continuous release of copper ions; the hormonal IUD diffuses a progestin directly into the uterus. In both cases, fertility returns quickly after removal.
- Suggested alternative
- No action needed if the device is well tolerated; discuss with your gynecologist in case of pronounced effects (very heavy periods, pain).
- Source
- Gynecological literature on copper/hormonal IUDs and return of fertility.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
Take the questionnaireRelated factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026