Copper Intrauterine device

a copper t-shaped iud removal strings



an iud seen on pelvic x ray

copper iuds work disrupting sperm motility , damaging sperm prevented joining egg. copper acts spermicide within uterus, increasing levels of copper ions, prostaglandins, , white blood cells within uterine , tubal fluids. increased copper ions in cervical mucus inhibit sperm s motility , viability, preventing sperm traveling through cervical mucus, or destroying passes through. copper can alter endometrial lining, studies show while alteration can prevent implantation of fertilized egg ( blastocyst ), cannot disrupt 1 has been implanted.

most copper iuds have plastic t-shaped frame wound around pure electrolytic copper wire and/or has copper collars (sleeves). arms of frame hold iud in place near top of uterus. paragard tcu 380a measures 32 mm (1.26 ) horizontally (top of t), , 36 mm (1.42 ) vertically (leg of t).

copper iuds have first year failure rate ranging 0.1 2.2%.

in eurogine gold t iud, made in spain, there gold core, further prevents copper fragmenting or corroding. goldringmedusa differently-shaped german version of gold t. form of aucu iud called goldlily made hungarian company, radelkis. goldlily consists of layer of copper wires wrapped around original layer of gold wires, , provides electrochemical protection in addition ionic protection.

silver iuds exist. radelkis makes silverlily, similar goldlily, , goldringmedusa available in agcu version well. nova-t 380 contains strengthening silver core, not incorporate silver ions provide electrochemical protection. other shapes of iud include so-called u-shaped iuds, such load , multiload, , frameless iud holds several hollow cylindrical minuscule copper beads. held in place suture (knot) fundus of uterus. available in china, europe, , germany, although clinics in canada can provide it. framed copper iud called iub scu300 coils during deployment form 3 dimensional spherical shape , based on nickel titanium shape memory alloy core.

in addition copper, noble metal , progestogen iuds, patients in china can copper iuds indomethacin. non-hormonal compound reduces severity of menstrual bleeding, , these coils popular.

advantages of copper iud include ability provide emergency contraception 5 days after unprotected sex. effective form of emergency contraception available. works preventing fertilization or implantation; not affect implanted embryos. contains no hormones, can used while breastfeeding, , fertility returns after removal. copper iuds available in wider range of sizes , shapes hormonal iuds.

disadvantages include possibility of heavier menstrual periods , more painful cramps.