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. 2025 Oct;54(5):e70036.
doi: 10.1111/jmp.70036.

Insertion of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) in Sanctuary Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) Using Ultrasonography and Radiology to Confirm Placement

Jenny E Jaffe  1   2 , Nancy Sokkary  3 , Jill Nielsen  1 , James R McClearen  1
Affiliations

Insertion of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) in Sanctuary Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) Using Ultrasonography and Radiology to Confirm Placement

Jenny E Jaffe et al. J Med Primatol. 2025 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Reproduction in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) can be controlled by the insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for females who do not reliably take oral contraceptives. Previous literature describes the use of improvised devices made from syringe cases as a speculum to accommodate the depth of the vaginal vault.

Methods: Copper IUDs (model T380A) were inserted in two sanctuary-housed chimpanzees. A disposable human small-sized vaginal speculum (Welch Allyn KleenSpec) with an illumination system provided a good view of the cervix. A 3/4 mm dilator and a uterine sound aided insertion.

Results: After multiple rounds of dilation, the uterine sound was still necessary to manipulate the IUD to the fundus of the uterus. Correct placement was confirmed by ultrasonography and radiology.

Conclusion: Inserting IUDs in chimpanzees can prove challenging. Having appropriate equipment available, such as varied sizes of speculums and dilators, is crucial. Gynecologists and ultrasonographers with experience inserting IUDs in humans can help ensure correct placement.

Keywords: breeding; contraception; great apes; non‐human primates; speculum.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Ultrasonography showing IUD in uterus in AF1 (A), ventrodorsal and lateral pelvic radiograph in AF1 (B, C), disposable speculum in use without illumination in AF1 and with illumination in AF2 (D, E), cervical os with shortened strings of IUD visible in AF2 (F).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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