Energy dispersive spectrophotometric and X-ray diffraction observations in IUDs

This paper describes preliminary observations of the surface deposits on Lippes Loop, Dalkon Shield, and Saf-T-Coil IUDs removed after periods of time up to 15 years. Rosettes of euhedral rhombic crystals with a columnar prismatic habit were observed on a Lippes Loop that had been in situ for 15 years. All mineral deposits were found to be calcium salts, but the degree of crystallization varied significantly, from almost totally amorphous to the perfect euhedral crystal form. The microenvironment alone or in combination with cyclic changes in the biochemical milieu surrounding the IUD may influence the deposition of specific mineral species.