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Hair copper in intrauterine copper device users
IRCS Journal of Medical Science
|March 1, 1984
Summary
Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs) do not significantly increase copper levels in pubic hair. This study found no difference in copper content between women using IUDs and controls, suggesting hair is not a reliable indicator for IUD copper monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Trace element analysis
- Reproductive health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs) release copper ions, exerting a contraceptive effect.
- Copper primarily accumulates in the endometrium and uterine fluid, with minimal systemic absorption.
- Hair has been proposed as a non-invasive method for monitoring essential trace elements, including copper.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether copper-bearing IUDs lead to significant accumulation of copper in human pubic hair.
- To assess the utility of pubic hair as a biomarker for copper exposure from IUDs.
Main Methods:
- Pubic hair samples were collected from women using a copper IUD (MLCu250) and a control group without IUDs.
- Copper content was analyzed using flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Hair samples were analyzed both before and after washing to account for external contamination.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in mean copper levels was observed between the IUD users and the control group in both unwashed and washed hair samples.
- The washing procedure increased the percentage of copper content in hair samples due to the removal of non-metallic substances.
- Flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy demonstrated a low limit of measurement for copper concentration.
Conclusions:
- The use of MLCu250 copper-bearing IUDs is not associated with significant copper accumulation in pubic hair.
- Pubic hair is unlikely to be a suitable biomonitor for assessing copper exposure from copper-bearing IUDs.