Story: Contraception and sterilisation

IUDs

IUDs

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) were introduced into New Zealand in the mid-1960s. Small pieces of plastic with copper wire wrapped around them, they work mainly by preventing sperm from fertilising an egg. The loop-shaped ones (Lippes loops) were withdrawn from the New Zealand market in 1985. The T-shaped ones (Nova-T devices) were introduced in the 1970s and used through the 1980s, but are no longer available. IUDs were still used in the early 2000s.

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Family Planning, Dame Margaret Sparrow Collection
Photograph by Rachel Leatham

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How to cite this page:

Jane Tolerton, 'Contraception and sterilisation - IUDs and sterilisation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/26988/iuds (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Jane Tolerton, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 7 Dec 2018