What should you know about magnets and copper coils?

A copper coil is a small device placed inside the womb. It releases copper locally, which makes the environment difficult for sperm and helps prevent pregnancy. The device does not depend on a battery, electronic signal, or magnetic field. Everyday magnets in household objects are not expected to pull the coil out of position.

The copper component is different from magnetic metal. If you are being assessed with a medical device that uses a strong magnetic field, tell the imaging team that you have a coil. They can check the device details and follow the safety process for that examination.

Keep a record of the type of coil and when it was fitted. If you cannot feel the threads, feel new pain, notice a change in bleeding, or think the coil has moved, use backup contraception and arrange a clinical check. Do not try to remove it yourself.

For more detail about the device itself, read the Copper IUD Device page. If you are comparing non-hormonal and hormonal options, the Hormonal Coil page can help frame that conversation.

Seek prompt medical advice for severe or worsening lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual-smelling discharge, very heavy bleeding, or a positive pregnancy test with a coil in place. Seek urgent help for fainting, collapse, or sudden severe pain, because these symptoms need assessment rather than an explanation based on magnets alone.

Ask which coil you have, whether its position needs checking, and what contraception to use while you wait. Before an MRI or another strong-field scan, ask the imaging team to confirm that your device information is recorded.