In vitro sperm penetration tests and PCTs in fertile women wearing different medicated IUDs (Cu and progesterone)
Bruno, V.; Dondero, F.; Moro, M.; Cerasard, M.; Carenza, L.
Contraception Fertilite Sexualite 14(2): 143-149
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-861X PMID: 12267800 Document Number: 281691
In order to evaluate the sperm-cervical mucus interactions in women wearing different intrauterine devices (IUDs), a longitudinal study of over 27 months in 7 selected normally fertile couples was made. In vitro sperm penetration tests and PCTs, in the same woman, were carried out in basal conditions and after insertion of IUDs (copper IUD before and progesterone IUD after). The copper IUD induces little modification on the "in vitro" and "in vivo" sperm passage and on the characteristics of the cervical mucus. In contrast, the progesterone IUD is more effective than the copper IUD in inhibiting sperm penetration even with little modofication of the characteristics of the ovulatory cervical mucus. It appears, therefore, that the cervical mucus modifications are less relevant than the toxic effect on the spermatozoa in the mechanism of activity of progesterone IUDs.