Editing Copper IUD (section)

=== Frameless IUDs ===
[[File:GyneFix 200 Kupferkette.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Gynefix 200 frameless IUD]]
The frameless IUD eliminates the use of the frame that gives conventional IUDs their signature T-shape. This change in design was made to reduce discomfort and expulsion risk associated with prior IUDs; without a solid frame, the frameless IUD should mold to the shape of the uterus. It may reduce expulsion and discontinuation rates compared to framed copper IUDs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wu S, Hu J, Wildemeersch D | title = Performance of the frameless GyneFix and the TCu380A IUDs in a 3-year multicenter, randomized, comparative trial in parous women | journal = Contraception | volume = 61 | issue = 2 | pages = 91–98 | date = February 2000 | pmid = 10802273 | doi = 10.1016/s0010-7824(00)00087-1 }}</ref>

Gynefix is the only frameless IUD brand currently available. It consists of hollow copper tubes on a [[polypropylene]] thread. It is inserted through the [[cervix]] with a special applicator that anchors the thread to the [[fundus (uterus)|fundus]] (top) of the [[uterus]]; the thread is then cut with a tail hanging outside of the cervix, similar to framed IUDs, or looped back into the cervical canal for patient comfort. When this tail is pulled, the anchor is released and the device can be removed. This requires more force than removing a T-shaped IUD, but results in comparable discomfort at the time of removal.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = D'Souza RE, Bounds W, Guillebaud J | title = Comparative trial of the force required for, and pain of, removing GyneFix versus Gyne-T380S following randomised insertion | journal = The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 29–31 | date = April 2003 | pmid = 12681034 | doi = 10.1783/147118903101197494 | doi-access = free }}</ref>