Does the Intrauterine Device (IUD) Prevent Fertilization?
The IUDs major effect is to induce a local inflammatory reaction in the endometrium where cytokines, macrophages and other cellular and humoral components are released into the uterine cavity which disturbs the functioning of the endometrium and myometrium and changes the microenvironment of the uterine cavity. The Copper IUD accentuates the inflammatory response which disturbs the physiology of the gametes in the female genital tract, or destroys the viability of the embryos or endometrial receptivity to implantation. Studies on the recovery of eggs reveal that embryos are formed in the tubes of IUD users at a significantly lower rate compared to non-users. The IUDs primary effect is ovicidal (death of the ova) or dysfunction of the ovary that prevents fertilization from occurring.
