American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 187(6), 1699-1708
There are many potential mechanisms of action for the intrauterine device (IUD), which vary by type of IUD (inert, copper, or hormonal). This paper reviews the evidence for each potential mechanism of action. On the basis of available data for fertilization rates and clinical pregnancy rates, the relative contribution of mechanisms acting before or after fertilization were quantitatively estimated. These estimates indicate that, although prefertilization effects are more prominent for the copper IUD, both prefertilization and postfertilization mechanisms of action contribute significantly to the effectiveness of all types of intrauterine devices.
Stanford, J. B., & Mikolajczyk, R. T. (2002). Mechanisms of action of intrauterine devices: update and estimation of postfertilization effects. *American journal of obstetrics and gynecology*, *187*(6), 1699-1708. https://doi.org/10.1067/mob.2002.128091
Stanford JB, Mikolajczyk RT. Mechanisms of action of intrauterine devices: update and estimation of postfertilization effects. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;187(6):1699-1708. doi:10.1067/mob.2002.128091
Stanford, J. B., and R. T. Mikolajczyk. "Mechanisms of action of intrauterine devices: update and estimation of postfertilization effects." *American journal of obstetrics and gynecology*, vol. 187, no. 6, 2002, pp. 1699-1708.
Cervix Mucus, Endometrium, Fallopian Tubes, Female, Fertilization, Humans, Intrauterine Devices, Copper, Medicated, Levonorgestrel, MEDLINE, Oocytes, Pregnancy, Ectopic, Sperm Transport