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THE FAILURE OF THE COPPER IUD TO INHIBIT FERTILIZATION IN THE RABBIT

The effect of intra-uterine devices (IUDs) in rabbits is variable. Depending on size, intra-uterine threads and plastic IUDs cause incomplete and localized reductions in fertility (Brown & Foote, 1966; Marston & Chang, 1969). Recently, the use of copper coils in rabbits and copper wire (in combination with plastic `T' devices) in humans has been shown to decrease implantation rates (Zipper, Medel & Prager, 1969; Zipper, Tatum, Pastene, Medel & Rivera, 1969). Although the mechanism of action is not known, there is some evidence that copper exerts a toxic effect on spermatozoa (Saito, Bush & Whitmore, 1967). The following study was undertaken to determine if the complete inhibition of implantation as seen in the rabbit with a copper IUD is the result of fertilization failure.

Twelve mature,