Metallic copper as an intrauterine contraceptive agent

A comparative randomized trial was made of two intrauterine contraceptive devices: Nova-T and MLCu375. The IUDs were used by 637 and 606 women, respectively, for one year, unless the device was removed earlier. The reasons for IUD removal were analyzed after one year using the life-table method. Statistically significant differences were found in expulsion and removal for bleeding and/or pain rates.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative performance of two copper IUDs: Nova-T and MLCu375

Castro

Anguiano

1986

“…Some researchers suggested that it exerts a direct spermatoxic effect [34][35][36], while others have expressed a contrary view [33,37,38].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Copper intrauterine contraceptive devices and serum essential metals

1988

Serum levels of the essential metals, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and calcium (Ca), were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in one hundred and twenty randomly selected adult Nigerian female volunteers fitted with copper T or Delta T intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) for a period of 3-18 months, and their normal age-matched controls. The mean serum concentration of all the essential metals was lower in the women fitted with copper IUDs than the control group. The differences, however, are not statistically significant (p greater than 0.05).

“…In our study, the amount of calcium contained in surface deposits showed sizeable individual variations and increased with the duration of insertion. Tatum [10] speculated that the decreased efficacy of copper IUDs with increased duration of insertion was due to the loss of copper ions, therefore the slowing down of the ionization of copper due to the formation of deposits might lower the available copper ions to a level below that necessary for preventing conception. Zhang [11] reported on 5 years' experience with the TCu200 in 856 women in Shanghai.…”

Section: Principal Composition Of Surface Deposits On Iudsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of surface deposits on intrauterine contraceptive devices

Wei¹,

Shen²,

et al. 1986

Surface deposits on stainless steel contraceptive devices removed from the uterus after varying periods of insertion were examined and analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive analysis (XEDA), Augar electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry for microquantitative analysis. The data obtained were compared with the data for copper-bearing IUDs (TCu200) obtained by the same method. The wire coils of stainless steel IUDs which had been in situ for 5 years showed no obvious changes, but copper wire coils showed varying degrees of erosion after the same period of time. Analysis clearly showed that the wire coils of both types of IUD were encrusted with deposits. Deposition began earlier on copper-bearing IUDs than on stainless steel IUDs (27 days and 3 months after insertion, respectively). This process began earlier than has previously been reported in the literature. The amount of deposit increased with duration of insertion, but there were large individual variations. The microanalysis showed that the principal component of the deposit on both types of IUD was calcium, which was present in the crystal form of calcium carbonate. The substances attaching to the crystals were similar to the nitrogenous organic compounds. We suggest that the mechanism regulating the deposited formation may be similar to that of calculus. The influence of these deposits on complications relating to IUD insertion, such as uterine bleeding and accidental pregnancy, is briefly discussed in this article. The subject should be studied in greater detail.