Western University researchers aim to revolutionize the IUD

When chemistry professor Samantha Gateman realized there was no non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) on the market that didn’t come with significant side effects, she was inspired to make a change.

As a chemist who studies corrosion, Gateman had no previous research experience in contraceptive technology, but was curious about the choice of copper for IUDs and interested in potential alternatives.

“I had tried various hormonal contraceptives myself and had really bad experiences,” says Gateman. “I was looking for something long-term, but non-hormonal. The only option available was the copper IUD, which previous research has shown has a whole slew of negative side effects.”

Now, an interdisciplinary team at Western University, from chemists to medical experts and social scientists, is developing an iron IUD. Their goal is to provide a gentler alternative to the copper version.

Previous research has shown that while IUDs are highly effective and long-lasting, they are not without drawbacks. Although hormonal IUDs use a lower dose of hormones than other contraceptives, such as birth control pills, they can still cause side effects, such as breast tenderness, headaches, acne, mood swings, depression and weight gain. Non-hormonal copper IUDs, on the other hand, often cause physical side effects, including pelvic pain and stomach cramps.

The project, led by Gateman, aims to address the side effects and limitations associated with the two existing types of IUDs, potentially transforming the contraception landscape.

A perspective paper about the team’s motivation to develop new materials for non-hormonal IUDs was recently published in the journal Women’s Health. The paper also explores the experimental considerations and societal barriers to bringing a new IUD to market. 

What is an IUD?

An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

There are 2 main types: hormonal and non-hormonal. The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of hormone directly into the uterine cavity, preventing pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm. It can reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping, and sometimes suppress ovulation.

The non-hormonal IUD, which is typically made of copper, works differently.

“The copper IUD has a piece of copper wire wound around the main body of the T, and some of the copper becomes oxidized when exposed to the uterine environment,” says Gateman. “These copper ions interact with spermatozoa and impede them, making them immobile.”

But the copper ions also cause inflammation. This revelation led her to explore alternative metals.

Gateman’s PhD research in corrosion chemistry informed her approach.

“Other metals, like iron or zinc, corrode faster than copper—so IUDs made of these would have to be bigger to last as long, making them uncomfortable,” she said.

The new IUD, based on iron or zinc and a specially developed polymer coating, aims to provide a non-hormonal alternative that does not provoke the inflammatory response caused by copper ions.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

The medical practitioners, chemists, social scientists and experts in women and gender studies who make up the research team meet frequently to discuss progress and challenges.

Gateman emphasizes the importance of this collaboration and describes it as a team project that requires experts from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry as well as gynecologists, polymer chemists and social scientists.

Kate Choi, a professor of sociology and the director of the Centre for Research on Social Inequality, will play a crucial role in ensuring the new IUD’s accessibility and acceptability in diverse communities.

“Ensuring that those with contraceptive needs do not encounter prominent obstacles to contraceptive access is a key goal,” she says. “We want to ensure that once developed, the new IUD is a safe and affordable option for all individuals with contraceptive needs, including those from marginalized communities.”

That means understanding where different groups get their reproductive health care and tailoring distributional strategies accordingly, she adds.

The rising cost of living and economic uncertainty further underscore the need for reliable, affordable contraception.

Dean Betts, a professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, is another key collaborator. He studies the effects of corrosive metals and polymers on the development of synthetic embryos.

“I have no expertise in metal corrosion, and the chemists have limited knowledge of embryology. But together, we can create something special,” he says.

Looking ahead, the team must finalize the polymer coating process, conduct extensive in vitro and in vivo testing, and eventually move toward human clinical trials.

“This project started as a passion, but it has the potential to make a significant difference,” Gateman says.

A large team of other researchers is involved in the project, including Joe Bryan Gilroy, Kirsten Oinonen, Lori Chambers and Basim Abu Rafea.

This article was adapted and republished with permission from Western University.

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