The FDA Has Approved a New Copper IUD (2025)

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photo: Sebela Women’s Health Inc.

For the first time in 40 years, the FDA has approved a new hormone-free IUD. Miudella, a low-dose copper insert, can prevent pregnancy for up to three years and will be available later this year, according to a Wednesday press release.

Roughly 10 percent of reproductive-aged women in the United States use IUDs, which are around 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Miudella’s approval expands the limited options available to those who want long-term reversible contraception without the hormones in a time when reproductive rights are under a large-scale attack. Though there are four hormonal IUDs available in the U.S., up until now, the only hormone-free option has been Paragard, a copper insert that gained FDA approval in 1984 and prevents pregnancy for up to ten years.

Though Miudella’s birth control doesn’t last as long, it’s made with a small and flexible frame and contains less than half the copper of Paragard, all of which will hopefully make for a comfortable contraceptive experience. “We believe these and other features of Miudella may help address barriers to use, while also providing women with the hormone-free option some prefer,” Dr. Kelly Culwell, head of research and development at Miudella’s manufacturer, Sebela Women’s Health, said in the press release. A tiny spot of good news? I’ll take it.

Tags:

• health
• iud
• contraception
• birth control
• wellness
• More

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