Reproductive Health Question 6
6. The function of copper ions in copper releasing IUD’s is :
[2017]
(a) They inhibit gametogenesis
(b) They make uterus unsuitable for implantation
(c) They inhibit ovulation
(d) They suppress sperm motility and fertilising capacity of sperms
Show Answer
Answer : d
Hints & Solutions
(d) $Cu^{2+}$ interfere in the sperm movement, which suppress the sperm motility and fertilising capacity of sperms. The hormones present in the IUDs prevent pregnancy in two ways as hormonal IUDs make the mucus on cervix thicker and this mucus blocks sperm to fertilize the egg. Whereas the hormones in the IUD can also stop eggs from leaving ovaries (called ovulation), which means there’s no egg for a sperm to fertilize.
