Flower intrauterine contraceptive device
Lu, Z.L.
Chinese Medical Journal 93(8): 528-530
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 6772403 Document Number: 159790
13 hospitals in the Guangdong province fitted 4321 women with a flower design IUD fabricated of high pressure polyethylene impregnated with 30% barium sulfate. The upper part of the device has 3 laterally flexible petals that overlap to adapt to the shape and size of the uterus. The lower part is narrow, where the petals are bound. Insertion can be done by paramedical personnel. An inserter is used. Expulsion rate in this series was 5.9%; 30% were expelled during menstruation and 48.2% were expelled during the first year. 125 of 4321 users became pregnant (2.9% rate). Most cases were pregnancies with device in situ. Most removals were necessitated by bleeding, pain, or leukorrhea. Removal rate was 7.5%. Severe symptoms which appear right after insertion tended to dissipate with time. Side effects noted were profuse menstrual bleeding, backache, abdominal pain, and increased leukorrhea. Change in uterine bleeding pattern was the most frequent complaint. 338 endometrial specimens were obtained for morphological examination, and changes were slight; only 3 cases showed signs of endometriosis. 209 of 221 IUDs examined after 3-9 years of use were still in good shape. 12 were cracked.