Difference Between Non-medicated, Copper-releasing and Hormone-releasing IUDs
Biology · Reproductive Health · NEET
IUDs (Intra Uterine Devices) come in three types. Non-medicated IUDs are plain plastic (example: Lippes loop). Copper-releasing IUDs give off copper ions that lower sperm motility and fertilising power (examples: CuT, Cu7, Multiload 375). Hormone-releasing IUDs release a hormone that makes the uterus unfit for implantation and the cervix hostile to sperm (examples: Progestasert, LNG-20). Memory hook: "Plain Lippes, Copper CuT/Cu7/Multiload, Hormone Progestasert/LNG-20."
The three IUD types with their NCERT examples and actions: non-medicated (Lippes loop) work by phagocytosis, copper IUDs release copper ions to reduce sperm motility, and hormone IUDs (Progestasert, LNG-20) add a hormonal action making the uterus unfit for implantation.
Your doubts, answered
Which IUDs are non-medicated, and can you give an example?
Non-medicated IUDs are plain devices with no chemical or hormone added. The NCERT example is the Lippes loop. They work only by their physical presence in the uterus, which increases phagocytosis (eating up) of sperms within the uterus. Remember: non-medicated = nothing extra released = Lippes loop.
What do the copper ions in a copper-releasing IUD actually do?
The copper ions released suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms. This is the exact NCERT line and a favourite NEET question (asked in NEET 2017). Copper does NOT make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and does NOT inhibit ovulation or gametogenesis. Examples: CuT, Cu7, Multiload 375.
Is LNG-20 a copper IUD or a hormone IUD?
LNG-20 is a HORMONE-releasing IUD, not copper. Students confuse it because it sounds technical. The two hormone-releasing IUDs in NCERT are Progestasert and LNG-20. NEET 2016, 2019 and 2021 all tested LNG-20 as hormone-releasing, so memorise this pair firmly.
Is Multiload 375 hormone releasing?
No. Multiload 375 is a COPPER-releasing IUD, along with CuT and Cu7. The word 'load' and the number 375 refer to the copper surface area, not a hormone. NEET repeatedly puts Multiload 375 in the copper group to trick you into the hormone group.
How do hormone-releasing IUDs prevent pregnancy differently?
In addition to the usual IUD action (raising phagocytosis of sperms), hormone-releasing IUDs make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and make the cervix hostile to sperms. So they add a hormonal action on top of the physical action. Examples: Progestasert, LNG-20.
Are IUDs ideal for spacing births or for newly married couples?
IUDs are one of the most widely accepted methods in India and are ideal for females who want to DELAY pregnancy or SPACE children. They are inserted by a doctor or nurse into the uterus. This spacing role is a common one-liner NEET fact.
⚠️ The NEET trap ✗ Multiload 375 or Cu7 is a hormone-releasing IUD, and copper ions make the uterus unsuitable for implantation. ✓ Multiload 375, Cu7 and CuT are COPPER-releasing (copper ions only suppress sperm motility and fertilising capacity). Only Progestasert and LNG-20 are hormone-releasing, and only these make the uterus unsuitable for implantation. 🧠 NTA loves swapping one device into the wrong group in match-the-column questions.
Real NEET questions
2023
Match List-I with List-II: (A) Non-medicated IUDs (B) Copper releasing IUDs (C) Hormone releasing IUDs (D) Vaults; (i) Multiload 375 (ii) Rubber barrier (iii) Lippes loop (iv) LNG-20. Choose the correct answer:
A · (A)-(iii), (B)-(i), (C)-(iv), (D)-(ii) ✓
B · (A)-(iii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(ii), (D)-(i)
C · (A)-(iv), (B)-(iii), (C)-(i), (D)-(ii)
D · (A)-(ii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(iii), (D)-(i)
Solution: Lippes loop is non-medicated (A-iii); Multiload 375 is copper-releasing (B-i); LNG-20 is hormone-releasing (C-iv); vaults are rubber barriers (D-ii). So A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii.
2017
The function of copper ions in copper releasing IUDs is:
A · They suppress sperm motility and fertilising capacity of sperms ✓
B · They inhibit gametogenesis
C · They make uterus unsuitable for implantation
D · They inhibit ovulation
Solution: Copper ions suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms (NCERT). Making the uterus unsuitable for implantation is the extra action of hormone-releasing IUDs, not copper. IUDs do not inhibit gametogenesis or ovulation.
2021
Which one of the following is an example of Hormone releasing IUD?
A · Cu 7
B · Multiload 375
C · CuT
D · LNG 20 ✓
Solution: Hormone-releasing IUDs are Progestasert and LNG-20. Cu7, CuT and Multiload 375 are copper-releasing IUDs, so LNG-20 is the correct hormone-releasing example.
Solved Reproductive Health NEET PYQs
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Only Progestasert and LNG-20 are hormone-releasing IUDs. All others named in NCERT are either non-medicated or copper-releasing.
Do copper IUDs stop ovulation?
No. Copper IUDs do not stop ovulation. The copper ions only suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms.
Who is advised to use IUDs?
IUDs suit females who want to delay pregnancy or space out children. They are among the most widely accepted contraceptives in India and are inserted by a doctor or nurse.
Is Lippes loop medicated?
No. Lippes loop is the non-medicated IUD. It has no copper and no hormone; it works by physical presence increasing phagocytosis of sperms in the uterus.
