IUDs
Inter Uterine Device

 

(ultrasound picture of IUD in place)

ãIt is any object inserted into the uterus through the cervical opening and left there in order to prevent pregnancy.  As long as the IUD is left inside the uterus it disrupts the environment of the womb so that the implantation of a fertilized egg cannot occur (Tucker, 87).ä -Tarvex Tucker

History of IUD
     Camel riders in the Middle East are the first recorded users of the IUD or Inter Uterine Device.  It was common knowledge that if you placed small pebbles in the uterus of your camel, it would not become pregnant even during its periods of high sexual activity (Heat). Hippocrates, the original Greek doctor, also wrote of a small piece that could be put into the uterus of a woman with the help of a small tube (Tucker, 88-89).
    The idea of an ÎIUDâ no matter how effective, was not improved upon until 1909.  At that time, a German physician named Richard Richter began to build IUDs from small bronze rings and silk thread.  Richter, as well as many other doctors versions of the IUD was too large for widespread use and caused painful infections.  In 1930, Ernest Grafenberg improved upon the ancient contraceptive by improving upon Richter's idea  making the contraptions smaller, avoiding most infections and making the device more comfortable.  By the early 1960âs many other forms/designs of IUD were invented and were constructed of safer materials (Roberts, 116-119).

(*Picture of Majzlin Spring)
How it Works
 No one knows exactly how the IUD works!  There are many theories but no one knows exactly why it is capable of preventing pregnancy.  It is thought that the touch of an IUD against the uteral lining irritates the menstrual cycle causing the eggs to be expelled during odd times (Tucker, 87-89).  Another theory suggests that the touch of the IUD on the lining creates an environment unsuitable for the implantation of the egg (Robertson, 117).  The most recent belief implies that the IUD blocks the sperm and egg from meeting because the body produces extra white blood cells that combat the IUD device in the uterus.  The white blood cells then turn on the sperm and egg killing them off (World Health Organization, 22).

                                (*Pictures from left bottom up: Copper 7, Plastic Coil, Copper T, Inserting device)
Types of IUD The two main category of IUD are medicated and non-medicated.
1. Medicated:  These forms of IUD use hormones to prevent conception.  Copper plated IUDs are considered medicated because copper has an unexplainable ability to hinder fertilization.
2. Non Medicated:  This category includes all other forms of IUD no matter shape or size.  Some examples of this type are; Lippes Loop (plastic coil), Single & Double Stainless Steel Rings, Plastic Coils, and the Majzlin Spring.
*The Dalkon Shield  is also considered a Non Medicated IUD, but it is now outlawed in the US (World Health Organization, 22).

? THE RING- The first IUD, is made of copper ring wound with silk. Has a high rate of expulsion.
? Plastic Coils- Plastic coils.  More easily inserted than other forms of IUD.  Made of memory plastic that retains spring shape once inserted.
? Majzlin Spring- Stainless steel.  Shaped like and upside down ãUä with many small arms that keep it in place.  The most difficult to take out.
?Copper IUD- Two types, Copper T and Copper 7.  Made of plastic wound with copper wire.  Shaped like a ÎT.ä  Most widely used and effective type (Tucker, 89-92).


Research Topics **Why has Dr. Sheldon Segal said, "The IUD is probably more suited to developing countries where "logistically complex" oral contraception is less viable?"-Robertson, PG. 118


Research Sources