PIP: A new IUD, the copper T 380A; soon will be marketed in the US. According to early clinical trials, the T 380A had a lower pregnancy rate than copper-bearing IUDs with less copper but was removed more often because of bleeding and pain. Removals were less frequent among older women. The gross cumulative pregnancy rate with the copper T 380A in 1 published study of 1051 women was 2.8/100 women at the end of 4 years. Women under age 20 had a pregnancy rate of 3.7/100, those 20-24 a rate of 3.2, and those 25 and older a rate of 1.9. More recently, large multicenter trials have reported pregnancy rates lower than with most other IUDs. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs more often in women who use IUDs. Other IUD risks include uterine perforation during insertion, septic abortion if pregnancy does not occur, and and increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy compared to the incidence with oral contraceptive use. Copper released from IUDs may inhibit metabolism of prostaglandins by the uterus and decrease the length of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The copper T 380A appears to be somewhat more effective than earlier IUDs but may cause more bleeding and pain. Its effects when used for longer than 4 years are unknown.