Effect of intrauterine devices on menstrual blood loss

Abstract

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are widely used in China for contraception, but uterine bleeding is the most common side effect. This study is to observe the effects on menstrual blood loss (MBL) of the 4 types of IUDs —stainless steel ring (SR), Shanghai copper T 200 (CuT), Shanghai copper V 200 (CuV) and Beijing copper V 200 (BV) —which are commonly used in China. MBL was determined in 82 subjects in pre and postinsertion periods. After insertion, the mean MBL of all types of IUDs were significantly higher than that before insertion (P<0.01). The range was 11.7—425 ml, and the increased percentage of MBL was 23–109%. It did not return to the preinsertion level in the 12th menstrual period. The Hb concentration remained essentially unchanged during the study. The increased mean MBL and incidence of menorrhagia in the postinsertion period showed lower bleeding effect in the SR and BV groups than the CuT and CuV ones. SR may be IUD of choice for long term use if the expulsion rate and contraceptive efficacy can be improved. The bleeding problem of CuT and CuV remains to be solved in the future.

Keywords

intrauterine device / menorrhagia / contraception

References

[1] 1977.

[2] 1976; 103.

[3] Population Reports: Intrauterine Devices. No. 3, May, 1979.

[4] IsraelR, et al. . Comparative quantitation of menstrual blood loss with the Lippes loop, Dalkon shield and copper T intrauterine devices. Contraception, 1974, 10(1): 63-71

[5] RiveraR, et al. . Effect of the Lippes intrauterine devices on the circulating levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron and iron binding capacity in normal women. Contraception, 1978, 17(3): 195-205

[6] ShawST, et al. . Quantitative menstrual and intermenstrual blood loss in women using Lippes loop and copper T intrauterine devices. Contraception, 1980, 21(4): 343-52

[7] HallbergL, et al. . Menstrual blood loss: A population study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1966, 45320-6

[8] HallbergL, et al. . Constancy of individual menstrual blood loss. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1964, 43352-9

[9] 1980; 15(3): 159–60.

[10] GuillebaudJ, et al. . Menstrual blood loss with intrauterine devices. Lancet, 1976, 1387-90

[11] 1984.

[12] GaoJi, et al. . Menstrual blood loss in healthy Chinese women. Contraception, 1981, 23(6): 591-602