INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES

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Intra-uterine Contraceptive Devices, or IUCDs, are a means of contraception generally used by women who, for medical reasons, are unable to use hormonal contraception methods (eg. oral contraceptives), or in those who not motivated or prefer not to use such methods.

IUCDs are small devices that are inserted by your doctor into your uterus.  They work by preventing implantation.

There are numerous type of IUCDs that have been developed over the years, the more common ones being:

• Multi-load Copper 250
• Copper T
• Nova T
• Lippes Loop
• Mirena Intrauterine System

The Mirena intrauterine system is a hormone impregnated IUCD.  It acts locally by making the mucous of the cervix much thicker, thus preventing the sperms from getting through.  It also makes the lining of the endometrium thinner, thereby preventing implantation.

General failure rates of common contraceptive methods (Failure rate of women using the method for 1 year):

• Mirena Intrauterine system: 1 per 1000
• Normal IUCD: 10 per 1000
• Ligation: 4 per 1000
• Oral contraceptive pills: 20 per 1000
• Depo injections: 10-15 per 1000

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