Copper T is used as an Intra Uterine Device (IUD) for contraception. Identify the correct statement for its mode of action.

(A) It is made up of ionized copper.
(B) It releases Cu ions that suppress sperm motility.
(C) It makes the uterus unsuitable for implantation.
(D) It decreases sperm phagocytosis within the uterus.

(A), (B) and (C) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B) and (C) only 

An effective and popular method of contraception is the use of Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs). These devices are inserted by doctors or expert nurses in the uterus through the vagina. These Intra Uterine Devices are presently available as the non-medicated IUDs (e.g., Lippes loop), copper-releasing IUDs (CuT, Cu7, Multiload 375) and the hormone-releasing IUDs (Progestasert, LNG-20).

Copper T, an intrauterine device (IUD), works through a combination of mechanisms to prevent pregnancy:

• (A) It is made up of ionized copper – The device is coated with copper, which releases copper ions into the uterus.
• (B) It releases Cu ions that suppress sperm motility – Copper ions released by the Copper T can affect sperm motility, and the fertilising capacity of sperms.
• (C) It makes the uterus unsuitable for implantation – The copper ions cause inflammation in the uterus, which creates an environment that is hostile to fertilized eggs, make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.

(D) is incorrect:

• (D) It decreases sperm phagocytosis within the uterus – Actually, the presence of copper promotes the phagocytosis of sperm, contributing to the device's contraceptive effect. This makes statement (D) incorrect.