The Dalkon Shield: Unpacking the History and Design Flaws of a Dangerous 1970s IUD

This entry details the Dalkon Shield, an unsafe and dangerous intrauterine device from the 1970s. It highlights the device's design, including its size, the unsafe multifilament retrieval thread that acted as a pathway for bacteria, and its transparent middle area with a small hole.

The Dalkon Shield, an intrauterine device originating from the USA in the 1970s, is presented with detailed specifications including its inventory number (1593), dating to the 1970s, and material composition of plastic. Unlike modern coils, the Dalkon Shield was notably unsafe and dangerous due to its large size, which made insertion and removal difficult. A significant design flaw was its retrieval thread, which was composed of several plaited threads (multifilament). This multifilament structure inadvertently served as a conduit for bacteria, posing a serious health risk, a stark contrast to the monofilament retrieval threads used in contemporary IUDs. The object measures 2.2 x 2.5 cm and is in very good condition. The description emphasizes the historical context and the device's inherent risks compared to safer, modern alternatives.