Comparative evaluation of medicated and non-medicated IUDs of the same size and shape
Randic, L.
Contraceptive Delivery Systems 1(2): 87-94
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0143-6112 PMID: 12261979 Document Number: 313341
The size of non-medicated IUDs has a partial bearing on their contraceptive activity while the efficiency of copper-bearing IUDs depends mainly on the amount of copper added to the IUD. Non-medicated IUDs commonly used are larger and those with added copper are smaller. In comparing the expulsion rates and the number of bleeding/pain removals in the 2 types, the question persists whether the reduced frequency of these events, usually ascribed to copper-bearing IUDs, is the direct consequence of the copper ion activity or of the reduced size. A comparative analysis of IUD performance in age/parity adjusted users has shown that after 1-2 years, net cumulative pertinent event rates were not significantly different for plain and copper-bearing Spring Coil users. Both users of the 2 types of Spring Coil experienced increased amount and duration of menstrual flow. Preliminary data for Lippes Loop D with and without copper show similar results. Thus it was concluded that the addition of copper to the large devices failed to improve performance, and, therefore, its addition should be reserved only for small devices which do not offer efficient contraceptive protection in their inert form. Use of smaller devices which produce less endometrial trauma and consequently less bleeding is preferred as the association between copper activity and reduced bleeding is not upheld.