Historical information
Stem pessaries were made from a variety of materials including silver, copper, gold, ivory, horn, hard rubber, and ebony from the late 1880s. The wishbone pessary had flexible wings that were covered in wax and compressed to facilitate insertion into the cervical canal. Once inserted, the wax would melt and the wings would broaden out slightly. Initially, the effectiveness of these devices as a contraceptive was not widely broadcast. Rather, their efficacy in supporting the uterus and during dysmenorrhea were claimed.
Physical description
Stem pessary, wishbone design. Intrauterine device, made of 9ct gold. It has a round head and two flexible wings.
Inscriptions & markings
"9C"
Subjects
References
- Hugh Davis, Willams & Wilkins. Intrauterine devices for Contraception - the IUD, 1971
