Claims for Patent: 3,563,235

Summary for Patent: 3,563,235

Title:	INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD
Abstract:	A method of contraception is disclosed characterized by providing for the presence of elemental copper or zinc in the uterine cavity. This invention is preferably practiced by wrapping a small amount of wire or foil or by placing a sleeve around a conventional intrauterine device prior to implantation. In a modification of this method, two different metals are employed to provide improved effectiveness.
Inventor(s):	Zipper; Jaime A. (Santiago, CE)
Assignee:	G. D. Searle & Co. (Chicago, IL)
Application Number:	04/760,688
Patent Claims:	1. A method of contraception which comprises placing a contraceptively effective amount of an elemental metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc in the uterine cavity. 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein a said elemental metal is attached to an intrauterine device effective to retain said metal in the uterine cavity over a prolonged period of time. 3. A method as in claim 1 wherein said metal in is in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable alloy. 4. A method as in claim 1 wherein two dissimilar pharmaceutically acceptable metals are placed in the uterine cavity in contact with each other, at least one of said metals being selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc. 5. A method as in claim 4 wherein said dissimilar metals are silver and copper. 6. A method as in claim 1 wherein said elemental metal has an exposed surface area of at least about 20 square millimeters. 7. An intrauterine contraceptive device adaptable to insertion in the uterine cavity and capable of being retained therein for prolonged periods of time, said device including a contraceptively effective amount of an elemental metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc. 8. An intrauterine contraceptive device as in claim 7 wherein said elemental metal has an exposed surface area of at least about 20 square millimeters.