Malonaldehyde production around copper IUDs

Specimens of cervical mucus from 7 women fitted with copper IUDs were placed immediately after collection in liquid nitrogen. These specimens were shown by electron paramagnetic resonance measurements to contain statistically significantly higher concentrations of free radicals than similar specimens from 6 women fitted with plastic Lippes loops. Cervical mucus, collected from women immediately prior to elective removal of an IUD, was placed in 2M hydrochloricacid and later analyzed for malonaldehyde using a newly developed polarographic method. Positive results were obtained for 8 of 19 women fitted with copper IUDs, but for none of 21 women fitted with plastic devices. Cervical mucus was similarly collected from 10 women fitted with copper IUDs, 9 women fitted with plastic IUDs, and an additional 9 using other methods of contraception. Mucus was collected 3 times (early, middle, and late cycle). No malonaldehyde was detected in mucus from women with plastic IUDs, or other contraceptive methods. Positive results were obtained in 13 of 29 mucus specimens from those using copper IUDs. Stage of menstrual cycle did not influence the percentage of positive results. Malonaldehyde was detected in vitro in solutions of arachidonate or prostaglandin F2alpha in buffered saline incubated with sterile copper IUD, but not with the plastic. Rate of malonaldehyde production was markedly influenced by pH, temperature, agitation, substrate concentration, and size of gas-liquid interface. the rates of malonaldehyde production around the copper IUD in utero are unknown. The possible increased risk of carcinogenicity associated with the copper IUD is discussed.