Researchers aim to transform contraception technology with new iron IUD

When chemistry professor Samantha Gateman realized there were no non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) on the market that didn’t have serious side effects, she decided to make a change.

Gateman, a chemist who studies corrosion, had no experience with birth control technology but was intrigued by copper’s choice for the IUD and was interested in possible alternatives.

“I’ve tried many different hormonal birth control methods and had some really bad experiences,” Gateman says. “I was looking for a long-term, non-hormonal method of birth control. My only option was the copper IUD, but studies have shown that it has a variety of side effects.”

Now, a diverse team of researchers at Western University, ranging from chemists to medical professionals to social scientists, is developing an iron IUD, aiming to offer a gentler alternative to the commonly used copper IUD.

Previous studies have shown that IUDs are highly effective and long-lasting, but they are not without drawbacks.

Hormonal IUDs use lower doses of hormones than other birth control pills, such as oral contraceptives, but can still cause side effects such as breast pain, headaches, acne, mood swings, depression, and weight gain.

On the other hand, non-hormonal copper IUDs often cause physical side effects such as pelvic pain and stomach cramps.

The project, led by Gateman, aims to revolutionize contraception by addressing the side effects and limitations of existing IUDs.

A perspective article was recently published in the journal Nature on the motivation for developing new materials for non-hormonal IUDs and an overview of the current literature on IUD materials. npj women’s healthThe paper also explores experimental considerations and societal barriers to bringing a new IUD to market.

What is an IUD?

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

“The IUD passes through a woman’s cervix and is T-shaped so it fits snugly into the uterine cavity and can’t fall out,” Gateman says.

There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs release small amounts of hormones directly into the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, blocking sperm, and in some cases stopping ovulation. This type of IUD can also reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping.

Non-hormonal IUDs, which are typically made from copper, work differently.

“Copper IUDs have a T-shaped tube that is wrapped around a copper wire, and when exposed to the environment inside the uterus, some of the copper oxidizes. These copper ions interact with the sperm and inhibit their movement, rendering them immobile,” Gateman said.

“The copper ions involved in the contraceptive mechanism also cause inflammation,” she says.

This discovery prompted her to research alternative metals that could provide the same contraceptive effect without the side effects.

Gateman’s PhD studies in corrosion chemistry inform his approach to developing an IUD using alternative metals.

“Other metals, such as iron and zinc, corrode more quickly than copper, so IUDs made from these metals need to be larger to last, which can cause discomfort,” she said.

The new non-hormonal IUD project aims to address these issues by providing an alternative that reduces the inflammatory response caused by copper ions. By using iron or zinc and a specially developed polymer coating, the goal is to create a device that provides effective contraception with fewer side effects.

The team meets frequently to discuss progress and challenges, and is currently focused on quantifying the concentrations of metal ions needed for effective contraception while minimizing side effects.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

The project will be launched through the Western Interdisciplinary Development Initiative (IDI), which will award funding to the team in 2023. The research team includes physicians, chemists, social scientists, and experts in women’s and gender studies.

Gateman emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This project requires not only experts from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, but also gynecologists, polymer chemists and social scientists. It’s a team project.”

Kate Choi, professor of sociology and director of the Center for the Study of Social Inequality, plays a key role in ensuring that the new IUDs are accessible and accepted across diverse communities.

“The key goal is to ensure that people who need contraception don’t encounter significant barriers to accessing it,” Choi said.

Her research into fertility among various populations informs the project’s goal of providing effective, affordable and culturally sensitive contraceptive options.

Choi’s research aims to focus on “equitable access” at each stage of the development of new non-hormonal IUDs.

“We want to ensure that this new IUD, once developed, will be a safe and affordable contraceptive option for all those who need it, including those from marginalized communities,” she said.

The team plans to conduct research to understand the history of contraception access and preferences of diverse socio-demographic groups to ensure the new IUD meets their needs.

“We need to understand where different groups are receiving reproductive health care and tailor our distribution strategies accordingly,” Choi said.

This approach will effectively communicate the benefits of the new IUD and how to use it properly to all potential users.

“Given the legal changes affecting women’s reproductive rights in many countries, such as the United States and Poland, having long-term, hassle-free contraception is becoming increasingly important,” Choi said.

The rising cost of living and economic uncertainty further highlight the need for reliable, affordable contraceptive methods for family planning.

Next steps

Another key collaborator is Professor Dean Betz of the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, whose research involves using artificial embryos to study the effects of corrosive metals and polymers on embryo development.

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

Betz outlined the next steps for the project going forward: the team needs to perfect the polymer coating process, conduct extensive in-vitro and in-vivo testing, and eventually move into human clinical trials.

“This project was started out of passion and has the potential to make a big difference,” Gateman said.

The project involves a large team of researchers, including collaborators Joe Brian Gilroy, Karsten Oinonen, Lori Chambers, and Basim Abu Rafea.