Related Experiment Videos
Expulsions following 1000 GyneFix insertions
1Abacus Centres for Contraception and Reproductive Health, North Mersey Community NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK.
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
|November 30, 2002
Summary
The GyneFix intrauterine device expulsion rate in clinical use is 7.6%, higher than in trials. Early expulsion may link to insertion technique, while late expulsion reasons remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception
- Gynecology
Background:
- The GyneFix intrauterine device (IUD) has been utilized in family planning services since 1997.
- Clinical trials suggest a low expulsion rate for the GyneFix IUD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the expulsion rates of the GyneFix IUD in routine clinical practice.
- To investigate potential factors contributing to IUD expulsion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1000 GyneFix IUD insertions.
- Inclusion of client parity and clinician experience as variables.
- Opportunistic client consultations were conducted.
Main Results:
- The overall expulsion rate was 7.6%, exceeding rates reported in clinical trials.
- Most expulsions (4.7%) occurred within 3 months of insertion, potentially linked to insertion technique.
- Late expulsions occurred up to 28 months post-insertion; clinician experience correlated with lower late expulsion rates.
- Four unplanned pregnancies resulted from unnoticed expulsions.
Conclusions:
- The GyneFix IUD expulsion rate in this service is higher than previously reported.
- Early expulsions may be associated with suboptimal anchoring of the device.
- Further investigation into the causes of late expulsions is warranted.
- Recommendations include patient education on device checking and confirmation of unnoticed expulsions via imaging.