A non-hormonal copper IUD (credit: Wikimedia Commons)
A team of researchers at Western University are in the process of developing a new kind of intrauterine device (IUD).
IUDs are small T-shaped contraceptive devices which are inserted into the uterus. There are two different kinds: hormonal IUDs and non-hormonal IUDs. The only non-hormonal option available today is made of copper, which uses the metal ions released by the device to prevent pregnancy. While there are fewer side effects with the copper IUD compared to the hormonal variant, they can still cause symptoms like cramping and pelvic pain.
An iron IUD shouldn’t cause any of these problems, researchers say.
“What that would mean for all menstruators, worldwide, is that there could potentially be a new type of contraceptive that allows them to have control over when they time their family planning, as well as give them an opportunity to do so without having any sort of uncomfortable or negative side effects that come from the sleeve of other contraceptive options that are currently available,” says Samantha Gateman, one of the researchers at Western.
This new IUD could also be more affordable than other options on the market today.
“The difference in price between iron and copper is quite substantial,” says Gateman. “Iron, or ferrous materials, are known to be about a quarter of the price of copper, and because of the electrification of our society, the price of copper is estimated to increase by 2050. So, the economic need of finding a material that is more affordable is really critical at this stage.”
As it is still in the development stage, it is difficult to say when the new contraceptive will be made available to the public.
“Currently, I would think within the next five to ten years, but this is just wishful thinking at this point, because there’s a lot of work that we have to do before then.”
