Which of the following IUDs is approved for use for up to 10 years?

Raj. CHO -2024

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2024

Explanation

The Cu-T 380A is a second-generation, copper-releasing intrauterine device.
It is approved for 10 years of continuous contraceptive use, and studies have shown its efficacy for even longer.
Its high effectiveness and long duration are due to its large copper surface area of 380 mm², which creates an environment hostile to sperm.
It has a very low failure rate, with pregnancy rates of less than 1 per 100 women in the first year of use.

Option A: Multiload Cu-375 has a smaller copper surface area (375 mm²) compared to Cu-T 380A and is generally approved for a shorter duration, typically around 5 years.
Option C: Cu-T 200 is an older model of copper IUD with a much smaller copper surface area (200 mm²). Its approved duration of use is significantly shorter, around 3 to 4 years.
Option D: Multiload Cu-250 has one of the smaller copper surface areas (250 mm²) among the options, leading to a shorter effective life of about 3 years.

Visual 1: Image - A comparative chart showing different types of Copper-T IUDs (Cu-T 380A, Multiload Cu-375, Cu-T 200) with their respective shapes, copper surface areas, and approved durations of use clearly labeled.

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 IUDs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate patient counseling on contraceptive methods is a crucial nursing responsibility. Knowing the correct duration of an IUD is essential for preventing unintended pregnancies and ensuring patient safety.
Nurses must educate patients on how to check for the IUD strings monthly and to recognize warning signs (e.g., heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, missing strings) that require medical attention.
What if? If a patient with a Cu-T 380A presents at 11 years post-insertion and does not want to get pregnant, the nurse must advise that the device is no longer considered effective. The nurse should recommend using a backup contraceptive method immediately and schedule an appointment for IUD replacement.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key requirement in the question: an IUD approved for 'up to 10 years'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question about different types of contraceptive devices.
Scan the options, noting they are all copper IUDs, distinguished by their model names and numbers (e.g., 380, 375, 200, 250).
Recall the principle that the number in a copper IUD's name often relates to its copper surface area, and a larger area generally means a longer duration of effectiveness.
Compare the known durations of each device. Cu-T 380A is widely known for its 10-year lifespan.
Select Cu-T 380A as it is the only option that matches the 10-year duration specified in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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