Which IUCD is inserted for 10 years?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

The Copper T 380A (CuT 380A) is the specific type of IUCD approved for 10 years of continuous contraceptive protection.
The number '380' in its name refers to its large copper surface area of 380 mm², which is the key feature enabling its long duration of action.
This large surface area allows for a slow, sustained release of copper ions, which are spermicidal and prevent fertilization for a decade or more.
Due to its high efficacy and long lifespan, it is one of the most widely used and recommended long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) globally.

Option B: An IUCD with a 280 mm² copper surface area has a shorter lifespan than the 380A model. Its duration of effectiveness is typically around 3 to 5 years.
Option C: An IUCD with a 275 mm² copper surface area (similar to Multiload 250) has a significantly shorter duration of action, generally approved for 3 to 5 years, not 10.
Option D: An IUCD with a 360 mm² copper surface area would have a shorter lifespan than the 380A. While it has more copper than the 280 or 275 models, it is not approved for a 10-year duration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Duration of effectiveness for different types of copper Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
As a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), the CuT 380A is a highly effective method that eliminates the need for daily user compliance, reducing failure rates associated with inconsistent use of other methods.
It is a cornerstone of national family planning programs in India for promoting long-term spacing between pregnancies due to its high efficacy, long duration, and cost-effectiveness.
Nurses must counsel patients that while the CuT 380A is highly effective, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for the specific IUCD with a 10-year lifespan.
Recognize that the numbers in copper IUCD names (e.g., 380, 280) refer to the surface area of copper in mm².
Recall the principle: a larger copper surface area correlates with a longer duration of effectiveness.
Compare the options provided. The IUCD with the highest number (380A) is the most likely candidate for the longest duration.
Confirm this by recalling that the CuT 380A is the standard copper IUD approved for 10 years of use, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Duration of effectiveness for different types of copper Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs).
Stem keywords: IUCD, 10 years
Lead-in keywords: Which

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

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.