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Story: Contraception and sterilisation

IUDs

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IUDs

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) were introduced into New Zealand in the mid-1960s. Small pieces of plastic with copper wire wrapped around them, they work mainly by preventing sperm from fertilising an egg. The loop-shaped ones (Lippes loops) were withdrawn from the New Zealand market in 1985. The T-shaped ones (Nova-T devices) were introduced in the 1970s and used through the 1980s, but are no longer available. IUDs were still used in the early 2000s.

Using this item

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, Dame Margaret Sparrow Collection

by Rachel Leatham

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How to cite this page

Jane Tolerton, Contraception and sterilisation – IUDs and sterilisation, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/26988/iuds (accessed 21 June 2026).

Story by Jane Tolerton, published 23 March 2011.