I was asked to mitigate the strong 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 reproductive health. The horse and the rider truly represent the concept of One Health. (C. Gradil)
Information for Mare Owners
iUPOD® is a unique frameless IUD that configures and conforms to an equid’s uterus for easy insertion and with minimal risk of perforation or pain. This safe, effective IUD has no strings and is easy to remove. The iUPOD® ergonomics have nothing to do with the dated T-shape and frame/coil designs and associated problems of current IUDs offered for humans.
iUPOD® is a self-assembling drug-free intrauterine device designed to modulate estrus behavior in mares. It may extend diestrus by simulating pregnancy and reduce 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) and 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 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, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don't use iUPODs®.
If the mare has persistent pelvic or abdominal pain or if iUPOD® comes out, tell your veterinarian.
If the iUPOD® comes out, use back-up 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, 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 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.