Assessment of copper corrosion from frameless copper IUDs after long-term in utero residence

WILDEMEERSCH, D; SABBE, P. J.; DOWSETT, M.G.; VICTORIA FLEXER; THOMSON, P.; WALKER, P.; THOMAS, P.A.; ADRIAENS, A.

CONTRACEPTION

ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014

0010-7824

Objective: To assess the site-specific corrosive behaviour of the frameless IUD following long-term exposure to the uterine environment.Study design: A qualitative and morphological study using X-ray diffraction (XRD) andscanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: Three GyneFix IUDs which were in site up to 150 months were examined. In uterocorroded copper sleeves were divided into 10 different groups based on their shape (U or O), orientation (inside or outside) and in utero residence time. X-ray diffraction indicated the presence of solely cuprite (Cu2O) as corrosion product on both the inside and the outside of the copper sleeves, regardless of their shape. These results were confirmed by backscattered electron micrographs recorded on the inside, the outside and the cross-section of the IUD sleeve. SEM results suggest that shape and orientation slightly affect the corrosion rate.Conclusion: The apparent copper loss from both sides of GyneFix copper tubes proves thatboth sides are a potential copper source and therefore justifies the design of GyneFix IUD. This could be beneficial for women as the IUD could be reduced in size and therefore bettertolerated. The impact on bleeding could also be minimized.