Contraceptive coil. Close-up of a slimline intrauterine device (IUD, coil), inside the 'easy-loading' system used to insert it. An IUD is a small contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) in order to prevent fertilisation. It can contain either copper (as here) or levonorgestrel (synthetic progestogen hormone). Copper acts as a spermicide and copper IUDs primarily work by disrupting sperm mobility and damaging sperm so that they are prevented from joining with an egg. IUDs typically have a life of 5 years, after which they should be removed. However, this IUD can be left in situ for up to 10 years. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Marazzi, Dr. P. |
Bildgröße: | 5396 px × 3598 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: |
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