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[Intrauterine devices in general practice: a prospective study of 300 insertions]
H Marret1, F Golfier, F Vollerin
1Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Médecine Foetale et Reproduction Humaine, Hôpital Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours Cedex 1, France.
Journal De Gynecologie, Obstetrique Et Biologie De La Reproduction
|October 16, 2002
Summary
Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe and effective contraceptive options when managed by experienced general practitioners. This study confirms their high efficacy and good tolerance in women seeking long-term birth control.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception
- General Medicine
Context:
- Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a widely used form of reversible contraception.
- General practitioners play a crucial role in providing contraceptive services.
- Assessing the effectiveness of IUD management in primary care is essential.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) managed within general medicine settings.
- To determine discontinuation rates, expulsion rates, and pregnancy rates associated with copper IUDs.
- To compare the performance of IUDs inserted by general practitioners with existing literature.
Summary:
- A prospective study followed 297 women using 375-mg copper IUDs inserted by 34 general practitioners over four years.
- High effectiveness was observed, with a Pearl index of 0.51% and low expulsion (1.68%) and medical removal (6.1% at 60 months) rates.
- At 48 months, the cumulative discontinuation rate was 31%, and 31.5% of users opted for device renewal.
Impact:
- Copper IUDs inserted by experienced general practitioners are safe and highly effective, supporting their continued use as a contraceptive option.
- Findings suggest that general practitioners can effectively manage IUDs, similar to gynecologists.
- The study highlights the need for specific contraceptive training for interested general practitioners to optimize patient care.