Fertility control by intrauterine release of progesterone
Scommegna, A.; Avila, T.; Luna, M.; Dmowski, W.P.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 43(5): 769-779
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 4362728 Document Number: 80698
The contraceptive effectiveness of small amounts of progesterone released in the uterine cavity via a silastic progesterone T IUD was studied. Over 1600 woman-months of use in 249 women were evaluated. The amount of progesterone remaining in 14 capsules revoved 161-200 days after insertion was variable, indicating a possible effect of individual uterine environment on release rates. No pregnancies occurred while devices releasing adequate amounts of progesterone were in situ. 7.9% of the devices were displaced or expelled. Serial plasma hormonal determinations showed no differences between patients with inert and progesterone IUDs. There was no inhibition of ovulation or change in cervical mucus. The mechanism of action is probably related to the decidual changes induced in the endometrial receptors.