Method
The IUD in the Philippines: copper vs hormonal
Quick answer
An IUD is a small T-shaped device placed in the uterus. It is one of the most effective methods: fewer than 1 in 100 users get pregnant in a year. The copper IUD has no hormones and lasts up to 10 to 12 years; the hormonal IUD usually makes periods lighter. Copper IUDs are free at public facilities (subject to supply), and private insertion costs ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 for copper or ₱18,000 to ₱25,000 for hormonal.
Key facts
- Copper IUD effectiveness
- 99.2% in typical use [src]
- Hormonal IUD effectiveness
- 99.3% in typical use [src]
- How long
- Copper: up to 10 to 12 years, by product label. Hormonal: up to 5 years or more, by product label.
- Free
- At public facilities, subject to supply [src]
- PhilHealth package
- From ₱3,900 [src]
- Private, all in
- Copper ₱10,000 to ₱20,000; hormonal ₱18,000 to ₱25,000 [src]
Prices checked October 2026.
Copper IUD vs hormonal IUD
Both are small T-shaped devices placed inside the uterus by a trained provider. Two thin strings hang into the top of the vagina so you or your provider can check it is in place.
| Copper IUD | Hormonal IUD | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Copper stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg | Releases levonorgestrel, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining |
| Hormones | None | Progestin only, mostly local |
| Periods | Often heavier and crampier, especially in the first months | Usually lighter; some people stop bleeding |
| Lasts | Up to 10 to 12 years, by product label | Up to 5 years or more, by product label |
| Free at health centers | Yes, subject to supply | Usually private only |
The copper IUD is the most common one in public programs and the only very effective method with no hormones at all [src]. The hormonal IUD (the Mirena type) is mostly available at private clinics. If heavy periods are already a problem for you, the hormonal one may suit you better. Neither protects against STIs [src].
Where to get an IUD and what it costs
Free
- Barangay health centers, RHUs and DOH hospitals. DOH says IUD insertion is free at public facilities [src]. PhilHealth is not required; bring an ID [src]. A DOH hospital was earlier reported to charge a small fee of ₱200 to ₱250 [src].
- Likhaan Center for Women's Health offers free IUDs. Filipinas on Reddit describe good experiences there [src].
PhilHealth
PhilHealth covers IUD insertion as a package at accredited facilities [src], reported from ₱3,900 [src].
Private clinics
At private OB-GYN clinics, a copper IUD costs about ₱10,000 to ₱18,000 all in, and a hormonal IUD about ₱18,000 to ₱25,000. The doctor's professional fee alone is often ₱4,000 to ₱5,000 [src]. Ask whether the price includes the device, the consult, any ultrasound and a follow-up check.
What to expect at the visit
- The provider asks about your health and last period, and checks you are not pregnant.
- A speculum exam, then they measure the depth of your uterus with a thin instrument.
- The IUD goes in through the cervix in a narrow tube, and the arms open inside.
- The strings are trimmed. You may be asked to come back after your next period for a check.
About the measurement: some devices need a minimum uterine depth, so a provider may say yours is too short for the one they have. Filipinas on Reddit describe being told this [src]. Ask if a different size or a different method would work.
"Masakit ba magpa-IUD?"
Most people feel cramping during insertion and for a few hours after, like strong period cramps. Some feel only pressure; some find it quite painful. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes [src]. Ask your provider what pain relief they suggest before and after [TODO: source: IUD insertion pain and pain relief (FSRH/ACOG)]. Plan an easy afternoon, and bring a pad for light bleeding.
Periods and side effects
Copper IUD: longer, heavier periods and more cramps are common, especially in the first few months, and often ease after that [src]. Hormonal IUD: irregular spotting is common at first, then periods usually become lighter, and some people stop bleeding [src].
Less common problems are the IUD slipping out (check your strings after your period) and infection in the first weeks after insertion [src]. Track your bleeding in the side effect tracker. See our side effects guide for the 3-month rule.
See a provider soon if
You have severe pain low in your belly, fever or chills, unusual or bad-smelling discharge, you cannot feel the strings or feel the hard tip of the IUD, or you think you are pregnant.
Removal and fertility return
A provider can remove an IUD any time by gently pulling the strings. It takes a minute or two. Fertility returns quickly after removal [src]. Like an implant, you have the right to ask for removal whenever you want, including when it expires. Log your insertion date in the implant and IUD date tracker.
The copper IUD as emergency contraception
Had unprotected sex in the last 5 days?
A copper IUD put in within 5 days is the most effective emergency option, more than 99 percent effective [src]. Talk to a doctor today. Likhaan and OB-GYN clinics can insert one. Read our emergency contraception guide.
Myths about the IUD
- "It causes abortion." No. IUDs work mainly by stopping sperm from fertilizing an egg [src].
- "Only for women who have had babies." No. WHO says people who have never given birth can generally use one [src].
- "It can travel to your heart or brain." No. It stays in the uterus. Rarely it can slip out or, during insertion, push into the uterine wall, which a provider can fix [src].
- "It makes you infertile." No. Fertility returns after removal [src].
IUD vs the pill
| Method | Typical use | Perfect use | How often | Hormones | Breastfeeding | Free at health centers | Price range (PH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper IUD | 99.2% | 99.4% | Every 3 to 10 years | None | OK | Yes, subject to supply | ₱200 to ₱20,000 |
| Hormonal IUD | 99.3% | 99.5% | Every 3 to 10 years | Progestin only | OK | Usually not | ₱18,000 to ₱25,000 |
| Combined pill | 93% | 99.7% | Every day | Estrogen + progestin | Not in the first weeks | Yes, subject to supply | ₱53.25 to ₱1,437.50 |
| Implant | 99.9% | 99.9% | Every 3 to 10 years | Progestin only | OK | Yes, subject to supply | ₱200 to ₱10,500 |
Pregnancies per 100 women in the first year of use. Source: WHO Family Planning Handbook comparison table (Trussell data, also used in the CDC effectiveness chart). [src] Price ranges include private fees; public facilities are free, subject to supply.
With the pill, about 7 in 100 users get pregnant in a typical year because pills get missed. With an IUD it is fewer than 1 in 100 [src], and there is nothing to remember for years. If you want help choosing, try the find my method quiz.
Three legal routes
Where to get it
An IUD is put in by a trained doctor, nurse or midwife during a clinic visit. Start free at a health center or Likhaan, or book a consult if you want to talk it through first. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Masakit ba magpa-IUD?
Karamihan ay nakakaramdam ng cramps habang ipinapasok at ilang oras pagkatapos, parang matinding dysmenorrhea. Mabilis lang ang procedure. Puwede mong tanungin ang provider kung anong pain relief ang puwede bago at pagkatapos.
Can I get an IUD if I have never given birth?
Yes. WHO says people who have never given birth can generally use an IUD. Some providers prefer not to, but that is their practice, not a rule. You can ask another provider or go to Likhaan.
Will my partner feel the IUD?
The IUD sits inside the uterus. Only two thin strings come through the cervix. Most partners do not feel them. If they do, the provider can trim the strings.
How much is an IUD in the Philippines?
Free at public facilities, subject to supply. From ₱3,900 under the PhilHealth package. Privately, a copper IUD costs ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 all in and a hormonal IUD ₱18,000 to ₱25,000.
Can an IUD be used as emergency contraception?
Yes. A copper IUD put in within 5 days of unprotected sex is the most effective emergency option. Talk to a doctor today, as the clock matters.
When can I have sex after getting an IUD?
A copper IUD works right away. A hormonal IUD may need 7 days of backup if it is not put in during the first days of your period. Ask your provider which applies to you.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, World Health Organization
- Emergency contraception (fact sheet), World Health Organization
- Family planning / contraception methods (fact sheet), World Health Organization
- DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
- Free family planning services in the Philippines, ClinicFinderPH
- IUD insertion cost in the Philippines, ClinicFinderPH, Jun 2026
- PhilHealth Advisory PA2025-0026 (implant and IUD packages), PhilHealth
- Ultimate birth control guide for Filipino women, Eluvo Health, Nov 2025
- Birth control methods and where to get them, PhilSTAR Life, 25 Sep 2024
- When will fertility return after using hormonal contraception?, Patient.info
- Likhaan center free contraceptives, r/Philippines