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Most intrauterine devices (IUDs) worldwide — and all IUDs currently available in the U.S. — are flat and T-shaped. By contrast, the intrauterine ball (IUB) consists of 17 copper spheres threaded over a plastic-coated wire. When the device is placed in the uterus using a 3.2-mm (outer diameter) tube, the wire and spheres assume a spherical configuration with a diameter of approximately 12 mm within the endometrial cavity.
This case series of 15 women (mean age, 34; one was nulliparous) followed for 1 year was supported in part by the NIH and in part by the manufacturer. The physician performing the IUB placement reported that devices were readily inserted. No perforations, expulsions, malpositioned devices, or pregnancies were observed. The I…