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LicenseCircular spiral silver Grafenberg ring, c.1930
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Circular spiral silver Grafenberg ring, c.1930
German gynaecologist Ernst Grafenberg (1881-1957) devised this intrauterine device (IUD) in the 1920s. The Grafenberg IUD was a popular contraceptive. Early examples were made of silkworm gut and silver wire. An IUD works after conception. It stops a newly fertilised embryo implanting and growing in the lining of the uterus. It was inserted into the uterus by a physician. It could be left in place for several years.
Details
- Category:
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A606486
- Materials:
- silver
- Measurements:
-
overall: 25 mm, 25 mm, .01kg
- type:
- intra-uterine device
- credit:
- Marie Stopes Memorial Foundation
