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This episode of The Cadaver’s Lessons dives into the fascinating, disturbing, and downright bizarre history of intrauterine devices (IUDs). From ancient contraceptive remedies and early experiments with silkworm gut to the development of modern copper and hormonal IUDs.

Then, we’re bringing the conversation into the present: How exactly does an IUD prevent pregnancy? We’ll break down the differences between copper and hormonal IUDs, their benefits and risks, and the latest research shaping contraceptive care.

📚 References

1. Margulies L. History of intrauterine devices. Bull N Y Acad Med. 1975;51(5):662-667.
2. Hubacher D. The checkered history and bright future of intrauterine contraception in the United States. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2002;34(2):98-103.
3. History of long-acting reversible contraception. George Washington University, Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. PDF.
4. Davidson ER. Historical contraception: Birth control before “the pill”. Hektoen International. 2015.
5. Intrauterine device. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
6. Intrauterine devices (IUDs). Merck Manual Consumer Version.
7. Intrauterine device (IUD). Cleveland Clinic.
8. Corbett M, Bautista B. A history: The IUD. Reproductive Health Access Project. Updated March 20, 2024.
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Intrauterine contraception. U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use.
10. Pain management during intrauterine device insertion in nulliparous women: A scoping review. Cureus. 2024.
11. Contraception in ancient history. Europeana.
12. Douching and spermicides. Dittrick Medical History Center, Case Western Reserve University.
13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fifty years of the Medical Device Amendments: Building a strong foundation to advance safe, effective, and high-quality medical devices.
14. Plastic IUD developed for birth control. EBSCO Research Starters.