Development of Human Embryos in the Presence of a Copper Intrauterine Device

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the teratogenic potential of copper releasing intrauterine contraceptive devices on the developing embryo. The tissues and organs of 11 whole embryos between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation were histologically examined for copper absorption after exposure to a copper intrauterine device in utero. The findings were not significantly different when compared with a control group of 7 embryos. No malformation or copper aggregates were observed in the various organs and placentas. The observations in this small sample would suggest that the copper-releasing intrauterine device has no deleterious effects on fetal development. The question remains whether malformations reported in some cases are associated with copper deposits in the tissues or with free copper ions in the fetal circulation. The implications are discussed.

Understanding why women seek abortions in the US

“…The general consensus in the literature is that birth control use during pregnancy is unlikely to have negative consequences for the development of the fetus [26-29]. A better understanding of the potential impact of the contraceptive methods and other medications on a developing fetus can help women be better informed when deciding whether nor not to have an abortion.…”

Transverse limb reduction and intrauterine device: Case report and review of the literature

“…Inhibition of growth of human cell cultures exposed to copper IUDs has been demonstrated, raising the possibility of teratogenicity of these devices 16 . However, exposure of human embryos to copper IUDs did not result in either malformations or copper aggregates in various organs and placentas 17 . Similarly, exposure of rat, hamster and rabbit embryos to IUD copper wire did not result in teratogenesis in the litter or in subsequent generations, although elevated copper levels in the foetal brains and livers were found 18 .…”

Copper and its inorganic compounds [MAK Value Documentation, 2006]

“…In a smaller study, a significant, positive correlation between placental copper content and weight at birth, and a negative relationship between the copper/zinc ratio and weight at birth were found (Mbofung and Subbarau 1990). In eleven pregnancies which had occurred despite the use of intrauterine copper contraceptive devices, no teratogenic effects were observed in 7-to 12-weekold embryos (Barash et al 1990). In an investigation with a total of 62 neonates whose mothers were patients with untreated, asymptomatic Wilson's disease, three of them developed congenital heart disease.…”