Intra-uterine device

Made:
1970-1981 in unknown place
From left to right:
    1981-1396 Pt9, Intra-uterine device Intra-uterine device, spring coil, plastic, 1of 2, 1970-1981

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From left to right: 1981-1396 Pt9, Intra-uterine device
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Intra-uterine device, spring coil, plastic, 1of 2, 1970-1981
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Intra-uterine device, spring coil, plastic, 1of 2, 1970-1981

Its distinctive shape gives this plastic intrauterine device (IUD) its more common name of the coil. It is shown on the right with other IUDs. An IUD is a contraceptive worn inside the uterus. It works after conception. An IUD stops a newly fertilised embryo implanting and growing in the lining of the uterus. IUDs became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. However, scares and litigation in the 1980s made them less common. More successful varieties were introduced in the 1990s. The IUD is now the most inexpensive long-term reversible method of contraception available.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Object Number:
1981-1396 Pt7
Materials:
plastic
Measurements:
overall: 35 mm x 35 mm x 3.5 mm, .01kg
type:
intra-uterine device
credit:
Institute of Population Studies