Complications caused by intrauterine contraceptive devices
Skajaa, K.; Dørup, I.; Skajaa, T.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 152(41): 3002-3006
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 2238170 Document Number: 349571
Between 1981-82, IUDs were introduced in 1697 women in the Advisory Clinic for Contraception in the County of Arhus. What followed over the next 6 years was a retrospective investigation of the complications which resulted. A total of 459 IUDs were either lost or has to be removed due to hemorrhage, pain, infection, or pregnancy. Where all types of complications were concerned, higher frequencies of complications occurred in those in younger age groups and among nulliparous women. The dependence of frequency of complications on the age of the patient was most marked among women who had had children previously. In the total population, 29% of the women had their IUDs removed within a period of 3 years. In women under age 20, 45% were removed and in women over 35, only 18% were removed during the same period. The total pregnancy risk was 2.7/100 women after 2 years of use and 3.2/100 women after 3 years of use. In contrast, the risk in women under age 20 was 6.6/100 women and 10.8/100 women after use between 2 and 3 years, respectively. Due to the high frequency of infection, increased tendency to extrusion, and poor efficacy, the use of IUDs in young, nulliparous women is not recommended. (author's modified)