The Copper T 220C: a new long-acting copper intrauterine contraceptive device

The Copper T(TCu) intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) has been found to be an effective method of contraception but has the disadvantage of needing periodic replacement due to loss of copper through dissolution and fragmentation of the copper wire. Modification of the Copper T to overcome this disadvantage involved substitution of copper sleeves for wire on the vertical arm and the addition of copper sleeves to the horizonal arms to give an effective surface area of 220 sq. mm. of copper and an estimated life span of 20 years. A randomized comparative study was undertaken in 999 women to determine if the new model performed as well as the wire-wound Copper T 300. Net cumulative first-event rates at one year were as follows: TCu 220C-pregnancy 0.9, expulsion 3.7, removal for pain or bleeding 14.4; TCu 300-pregnancy 1.1, expulsion 3.1, removal for pain or bleeding 9.3. None of the differences in event rates were significant. If long-term follow-up confirms these findings, this new long-lasting copper intrauterine device could become the IUD of choice for all women.