FSRH Statement on National Copper IUD Shortages

There is currently a national shortage of banded copper IUDs. The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has received many queries and reports from our members over the past weeks describing difficulties sourcing these devices for their practices. This has been caused by a global shortage of copper which has impacted manufacturing of the device.

We are working in partnership with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to find solutions to the supply chain issues. We have also reached out to the manufacturers and suppliers of the banded copper IUD to establish production and supply timelines to help clinicians plan for the coming weeks. 
 
We ask that clinicians please report shortages to the National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR) team through this link, which contains guidance on reporting as well as the team’s contact details. This will help the Government to assess and monitor the scale and impact of the shortages. 
 
We will publish a clinical statement with input from the Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) next week to support clinicians in their practice, in light of the current situation. We will send it to all members, and also keep this page regularly updated with the latest information.

Context 

Below is a list of responses and expected timelines from the manufacturers contacted. We will be regularly updating this table with further information from suppliers. If you have any further information, please email shanieh@fsrh.org.