Intrauterine device (iud)

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an intrauterine device (IUD) comprising an oval shape, wherein the device comprises a core of magnetic material, an inert material or copper coating the core, wherein the coating comprises a pharmaceutical agent, copper or a combination thereof. Another embodiment provides a method to suppress estrus in a subject comprising inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) comprising an oval shape, wherein the device comprises a core of magnetic material and an inert material or copper coating the core.

1 . A system for modulating fertility in a subject comprising a plurality of intrauterine devices (IUD), each IUD comprising an elliptical shape, a core of magnetic material, a coating on the core comprising an inert material, copper or a combination thereof, wherein the plurality of IUDs are substantially free of a monofilament. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the core comprises iron, nickel, cobalt, an alloy of rare earth metal, or a naturally occurring mineral. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the rare earth metal is including neodymium. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicon, polymer, or elastomer. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the polymer is polyethylene or polypropylene, 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the coating further comprises a pharmaceutical agent selected from progesterone, progestogen, copper or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical agent is slow releasing. 
     
     
         8 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises 2 or 3 IUDs. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method to modulate fertility, in a subject comprising inserting into the uterus of the subject a plurality of intrauterine devices (IUD), each IUD comprising an elliptical shape, a core of magnetic material and a coating on the core comprising an inert material, or a combination thereof, wherein upon implantation the plurality of IUDs are held together by magnetic forces generated by the magnetic material of the core. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the coating comprises a pharmaceutical agent selected from progesterone, progestogen copper or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a retention of the plurality of IUDs is weeks, months, or years. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , comprising 2 or 3 IUDs, wherein the IUDs self-aggregate after insertion in the uterus. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method to remove a plurality of IUDs from a uterus of a subject having the plurality of IUDs inserted, the method comprising inserting a magnetic retrieving wand into the uterus of the subject to retrieve the plurality of IUDs, wherein the diameter of the wand is such that it can pass into the uterus of said subject, wherein each IUD comprises an elliptical shape, a core of magnetic material and a coating on the core comprising an inert material, copper, or a combination thereof, wherein prior to retrieval from the uterus the plurality of IUDs are held together by magnetic forces generated by the magnetic material of the core. 
     
     
         19 . A kit comprising the plurality of IUDs of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , further comprising a magnetic retrieving wand, wherein the diameter of the wand is such that it can pass into the uterus of the subject. 
     
     
         21 . The kit of  claim 19 , further comprising an inserter. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , comprising 2 or 3 IUDs. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein upon implantation the plurality of IUDs held together in a triangular triad shape. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein upon implantation the plurality of IUDs held together in a triangular triad shape. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein prior to retrieval from the uterus the plurality of IUDs held together in a triangular triad shape. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein upon implantation the plurality of IUDs are held together solely by magnetic forces generated by the magnetic material of the core. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of IUDs are substantially free of a monofilament, thread, and string. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 18 , vkherein the plurality of IUDs are substantially free of a monofilament, thread, and string.