A woman in her twenties was surprised to discover she was pregnant despite having a copper coil inserted. Milja Maunuvaara, 28, experienced an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus due to low hormone levels. Despite having the copper coil for 18 months and trusting its effectiveness, she encountered intense stomach pains that led her to seek medical help in Helsinki, Finland. A visit to her GP and subsequent ultrasound confirmed her pregnancy.
Having previously relied on contraceptive pills for a decade, Milja switched to the copper coil for its hormone-free and reliable nature. Although she never anticipated the pregnancy, she found some relief in it being ectopic as she wasn’t ready for a child at that time. After confirming the ectopic pregnancy, doctors presented her with three options: monitoring for natural resolution, medication-induced termination, or surgical intervention. Opting for medication, Milja underwent a swift resolution with an injection.
Reflecting on her experience, Milja now opts for condoms with her partner, avoiding birth control pills due to concerns about chemical exposure. While the NHS asserts the copper coil’s effectiveness of over 99% when used correctly, it highlights other contraceptive methods with varying success rates. Emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice tailored to individual needs, the NHS offers free copper coil fittings at sexual health clinics and select GP surgeries.
By sharing her story, Milja encourages others to prioritize their health and choose contraception that aligns with their bodies’ needs.
