A 28-year-old woman, Milja Maunuvaara, was surprised to discover she was pregnant despite having a copper coil inserted as contraception. She experienced severe stomach pains in September, leading her to visit her GP in Helsinki, Finland, where an ultrasound revealed the ectopic pregnancy. Milja had trusted the copper coil, which she had chosen as a hormone-free and reliable contraceptive after using pills for a decade.
Given the ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, Milja was presented with three options: waiting for natural resolution, opting for medication, or undergoing surgery. She chose the medication route, receiving an injection and completing the process within a day. Following this experience, she now uses condoms with her partner due to concerns about chemical exposure from birth control pills.
While the NHS asserts that the copper coil is over 99% effective when used correctly, it also highlights the efficacy of other contraceptive methods. The NHS recommends free copper coil fittings at sexual health clinics and some GP practices, where medical history is discussed during the initial appointment.
Milja’s story underscores the importance of being vigilant about pregnancy symptoms and the limitations of contraceptive methods. She encourages individuals to choose what feels right for their bodies, emphasizing the need for proactive monitoring and informed decision-making in contraception choices.