Articles » IUDs, the whole picture

IUDs know-how. Stats from the world, India and DKT stats.

Kare and success of U-Kare An intrauterine device, also known as IUD is a well documented and used birth control method that is designed to be inserted inside the uterus of a woman which inhibit changes to take place in the uterus. This makes it the fertilization of an egg virtually impossible and thus can prevent the onset of pregnancy. IUDs have also been called as "intrauterine contraception (IUC).” IUDs that have been approved for use in U.S.A by the FDA are known to contain hormones which are released gradually over a period of time that facilitates a contraception effect.

An IUD is a small device that is shaped like the letter "T" or “U” which has a tail made of monofilament. This is inserted inside the woman’s uterus by a certified doctor or a health care practitioner. Once inserted inside the uterus, the arms or the upper portion of the "T" are folded down. However it gradually opens out and forms the top of the "T". This intrauterine device stays in the uterus and the base of the T is suspended just above the cervix with the arms of the T spreading in a horizontal position spanning the uterus. A small monofilament string that is attached to the IUD can be seen extending through the cervix into the vaginal cavity. It is this string that helps to make sure if the IUD is present in the uterus at the time of examination, either by the practitioner or even by the woman.

Although it is not fully known, much less documented as to how this device works. It is a hypotheses that the copper causes an inflammation that cause the white blood cells to attack the male sperm when it comes into contact with the IUD after entering the vaginal cavity. This activity starts approximately 24 hours after it has been inserted.

Although DKT has a presence in India since 1988 in just two states, it has spread its presence to other states gradually over the course of the years. Two years ago, Project Kare was launched by DKT India for promoting an increase in the usage of IUDs in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Chhatisgarh. This the result of the low penetration of IUD in these states despite their high population.

U Kare as a type of contraceptive has a higher rate of success than other brands of contraceptives in its class because of various factors like low expulsion rate and low complication rate. Besides there are other models that induce lesser pain because of advancements in design which makes it ideal even for nulliparous women.