Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) are devices introduced in the uterus through the vagina by doctors or expert nurses. These are of the following types:
Non-medicated IUDs, e.g., Lippes’s loop. Copper-releasing IUDs, e.g., Cu-T, Cu-7, multiload 375. Hormone-releasing IUDs, e.g., progestasert, LNG 20. IUDs are ideal contraceptives for females who want to delay pregnancy. It is one of the most widely accepted contraception methods in India.
IUDs are inserted by doctors in the uterus through the vagina. These are devices made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both. These devices are available as Lippies’s loop, copper-releasing IUDs CuT, Cu 7, Multiload 375, and hormone-releasing IUDs progestasert, LNG 20. IUDs increase phagocytosis of sperm within the uterus and the copper ions released suppressed sperm mortality and fertilizing capacity of the sperm. It slowly diffuses at the rate of some 50 mg/day. The hormone-releasing IUDs make the uterus unsuitable for implantation due to the release of toxic cytokines. IUDs are ideal contraceptive methods used by females. The device is to replace every 3 to 5 years when copper release slows down due to calcium deposition.