INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES

 IUCDs



Intrauterine contraceptive have been in use for several decades. The closed devices like Grafenberg ring, and birnberg bow are obsolete now. Open devices like Copper T, Copper 7 and lippes loop were in use in 1980s.  


Commonly used IUCDs in present day practice are:
 Cu T 200, Cu T 380 A, Multiload 250, Multiload 350, Progestasert, Levonorgesterel intrauterine device and others.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Mechanism of antifertility effects of IUCDs is not yet clear.

PROBABLE FACTORS

- It interferes with sperm transportation from the cervix to the fallopian tubes.
- The IUCD inhibits sperm capacitation and survival (speroff et al, 1999).
- It alters the biochemical or cellular composition of uterine fluid or both causing  impairment of the viability of gametes.
- The copper ions released from the device interferes with sperm motility and creates a reaction that results in a spermicidal endometrium (Nelson, 2000).
- Progestasert is thought to act through thickening the cervical mucus and rendering it impermeable to sperm.

TIME OF INSERTION

-Interval insertion: Inserted 6 weeks after delivery or abortion. The timing should preferably be within 2 to 3 days of completion of menses. During the period of lactational amenorrhea it should be inserted after ensuring that the women is not pregnant. 
-Postabortal or insertion: Insertion immediately following delivery of the placenta. Expulsion rate is high.
- Postpartal: Insertion before the patient is discharged from the hospital following delivery.

COMPLICATIONS

- Cramping pain.
- Syncope following a vasovagal attack.
- Uterine perforation- partial or complete.
- Pelvic infection- infertility.
- Menorrhagia.
- Intermenstrual bleeding.
- Dysmenorrhea.
- Unwanted pregnancy.
- Spontaneous expulsion.

ADVANTAGES

- Provides excellent contraception.
- May be used successfully in lactating women.
- Indicated in women in whom oral contraceptive are contraindicated.
- Can be used over long periods of time.
- Action easily reversible.
- Progesterone IUCDs reduce dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia.

DISADVANTAGES AND CAUTION

- IUCDs do not provide protection against STDs.
- Cannot be used in patients with suspected pelvic infection.
- Best avoided in women having multiple sex partners.
- Menstrual disturbances such as menorrhagia.
- Dysmenorrhea.
- Women with valvular heart disease- risk of bacterial endocarditis.
- Uterine anomalies.
- Previous ectopic pregnancy.
- Women with abnormal Pap smears.

REMOVAL

This may be required because:
- The life span of the IUCD has been completed.
- The patient does not tolerate the IUCD.
- The patient has conceived with the IUCD.
- The IUCD has got displaced downwards.
- The women desires to conceive.
The median time from removal of IUCD to planned pregnancy is 3 months (Nelson, 2000).


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