DALKON SHIELD Meaning and
Definition
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The Dalkon Shield refers to a medical device designed to function as a form of intrauterine contraceptive. Introduced into the market in the 1970s, it consisted of a plastic frame coated with a fabric mesh, resembling the shape of a shield, hence the name. This device aimed to prevent pregnancy by being inserted into the uterus by a health professional.
The Dalkon Shield consisted of a monofilament string attached to its base, which extended through the cervix and sat in the vagina. This string allowed for easy retrieval of the device when required. Although it was intended to provide contraceptive protection, the Dalkon Shield unfortunately had severe flaws that led to numerous health complications.
Many women who used the Dalkon Shield experienced life-threatening infections, namely pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Due to its design, it facilitated the upward movement of bacteria, causing infections that sometimes led to infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and in rare cases, death. As a result, it was eventually taken off the market after multiple lawsuits and reports of harm.
The Dalkon Shield serves as a cautionary tale in the medical field, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing, safety measures, and continuous monitoring of medical devices before their widespread use. Its adverse effects contributed to the improvement of regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the need for thorough assessments and long-term studies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices.
Common Misspellings for DALKON SHIELD
- salkon shield
- xalkon shield
- calkon shield
- falkon shield
- ralkon shield
- ealkon shield
- dzlkon shield
- dslkon shield
- dwlkon shield
- dqlkon shield
- dakkon shield
- dapkon shield
- daokon shield
- daljon shield
- dalmon shield
- dallon shield
- daloon shield
- dalion shield
- dalkin shield
- dalkkn shield
Etymology of DALKON SHIELD
The word "Dalkon Shield" is a brand name for a type of intrauterine device (IUD) that was used as a form of birth control in the 1970s. The etymology of the term primarily relates to its origin as a brand name.
The Dalkon Shield was developed and marketed by the A.H. Robins Company, an American pharmaceutical company. The name "Dalkon" is derived from the initials of David A. Linton, the inventor of the device, and his partner, Irwin L. Balker. The first part of "Dalkon" comes from the first three letters of Linton's last name ("Dal"), while the second part is derived from the first three letters of Balker's last name ("kon"). The term "Shield" refers to the shape of the device, which featured a plastic suture and a T-shaped body.
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