Copper T 380 A provide protection against pregnancy for how many years?

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

The Copper T 380A is a second-generation, non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) approved for 10 years of continuous use.
It is one of the most effective long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods available.
Its mechanism involves releasing copper ions, which create an inflammatory environment in the uterus that is spermicidal and prevents implantation.
Studies have shown that its efficacy can extend even beyond 10 years, up to 12 years.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: A 3-year duration is characteristic of lower-dose hormonal IUDs, not the copper IUD.
Option B: A 5-year duration is associated with hormonal IUDs like Mirena or other copper IUDs like Nova T, not the Copper T 380A.
Option C: 6 years is not a standard approved duration for any of the commonly available IUDs, either hormonal or non-hormonal.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Duration of effectiveness for Copper T 380A intrauterine device (IUD) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate patient counseling is a key nursing responsibility. Nurses must provide correct information on the duration, benefits, and side effects of different contraceptive methods to support informed decision-making.
It is crucial to document the type of IUD inserted and its scheduled replacement date (10 years for CuT 380A) and to educate the patient on this timeline.
What if? If a patient desires long-term contraception but also suffers from heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), a hormonal IUD like Mirena (effective for 5-8 years) might be a better recommendation, as it often reduces menstrual flow, whereas the copper IUD can sometimes increase it.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the keyword in the question: 'Copper T 380 A'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question asking for a specific detail about a contraceptive device.
Access your knowledge base on family planning methods, specifically focusing on Intrauterine Devices (IUDs).
Differentiate between the types of IUDs: non-hormonal (copper) and hormonal (levonorgestrel-releasing).
Recall the specific approved duration for the Copper T 380A, which is one of the longest-acting reversible methods.
Compare this with the durations of other common IUDs to eliminate the incorrect options (e.g., 3 and 5 years are typical for hormonal IUDs).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Duration of effectiveness for Copper T 380A intrauterine device (IUD).
Stem keywords: Copper T 380 A, protection against pregnancy, years
Lead-in keywords: how many

Question ID

Q82DJAwjYlzonW0PvLujlR

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 190-192

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 8411-8413

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