Copper-7 intrauterine device (Gravigard) . Report of experience
Jürgensen, O.; Stenzel, I.; Wirth, A.; Sina, D.; Taubert, H.D.
Fortschritte der Medizin 94(9): 515-521
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-8178 PMID: 964914 Document Number: 107310
Clinical experiences with the copper-7-IUD (Gravigard) in 258 women aged 16-42 years are reported. 45% of the patients were nulliparous women. Follow-up was possible in 236 cases, a total of 2717 women-months ( average of 11.5 woman-months per patient). 5 unwanted pregnancies (Pear l-Index of 2.3) were seen. Partial or total expulsion occurred in 27 cases (11%). 14 of 27 expulsions were noticed within the first 2 months after insertion. Removals for medical reasons were requested in 36 cases; in the majority (26 cases) because of bleeding and pain. 13 women desired removal of the IUD in order to get either pregnant or sterilized. The continuation rate after 2 years was 73%. The highest number of dropouts occurred within the 1st year after insertion (60 cases=23%) whereas only 4% dropouts occurred in the 2nd year. The low continuation rate might be partially due to the high number of physicians (19) participating in this study. The most important side effects of the copper-7-IUD in situ were irregular bleeding, intermenstr ual pain, and discharge. Irregular bleeding and pain decreased markedly after the 1st year, while slightly prolonged periods persisted in 30-50% of all patients. Compared with oral contraceptives, copper IUDs have less severe side effects but also less safety - especially for the younger fertile age group. Therefore they should be offered to young nulliparous women only for a limited period of time.