I was asked to mitigate the assertive estrus behavior of a chestnut Warmblood x Arabian mare, as the mare posed a risk to young riders. The request prompted the idea of iUPODs®, which have the potential to change both mare care and women’s reproductive health. The horse and the rider genuinely represent the concept of One Health. (C. Gradil)
Information for Mare Owners
iUPOD®, a drug-free intrauterine device designed to modulate estrus behavior in mares, is a unique frameless IUD that configures to and conforms within an equid’s uterus for easy insertion, with minimal risk of perforation or pain. This safe and effective IUD has no strings and is easy to remove. The ergonomics of iUPOD® are unrelated to the dated T-shape and frame/coil designs—and the associated problems—of current IUDs offered for humans.
iUPOD® consists of three small, smooth, elliptical, plastic-coated magnets that self-assemble into a triangular configuration. It is designed for easy detection to ensure it remains in place, as traditional methods, such as glass marbles, were often lost or went undetected. It may extend diestrus by simulating pregnancy and reducing unwanted estrus behavior.The mechanical presence of the device has an anti-luteolytic effect that extends the lifespan of the corpus luteum (CL) - it down-regulates prostaglandin (PG) F2α (Del Alamo et al., 2018). It up-regulates PGE2 secretion (Piotrowska‐Tomala et al., 2024).
This simple device can make a difference to the demeanor of your mare during difficult times associated with estrus periods. However, iUPOD® is not appropriate for every mare. Share the mare’s reproductive health history with your veterinarian before placement of the device. This product is not recommended for mares with an unhealthy reproductive tract. Only you and your veterinarian can decide if an iUPOD® is right for your mare! iUPOD® should be inserted only by a licensed veterinarian. iUPOD® should not be used as a contraceptive in domestic equids.
Information Safety Information
If the mare has a pelvic infection, gets infections quickly, or has certain cancers, don't use iUPODs®.
Tell your veterinarian if the mare has persistent pelvic or abdominal pain or if iUPOD® comes out.
If the iUPOD® comes out, use a backup plan for estrous control. The iUPOD® may attach to or go through the uterus and cause other problems. This scenario has never been reported; nonetheless, it is a possibility.
Pregnancy while using iUPOD® is uncommon and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
iUPOD® does not protect against EIA or STDs. Only you and your veterinarian can decide if the iUPOD® is right for your mare. The iUPOD® is available to licensed veterinarians only.
Potential Side Effects
Pain, bleeding, or incoordination during and after placement. If these symptoms do not stop 30 minutes after placement, iUPOD® may not have been placed correctly. Your Veterinarian should examine the mare to see if the iUPOD® needs to be removed or replaced.
Call your Veterinarian if:
The mare was bred and is pregnant, has an unusual vulvar discharge, has an unexplained fever, discomfort, or signs of colic, might have been exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), has severe vulvar bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time.