[Complications caused by intrauterine contraceptive devices]

During the period 1981-1982, IUDs were introduced in 1,697 women in the Advisory Clinic for Contraception in the County of Arhus. The course in a period of six years after this was investigated retrospectively in view of the frequencies of complications. A total of 459 IUDs were either lost or had to be removed on account of haemorrhage/pain, infection or pregnancy. Where all types of complications were concerned, higher frequencies of complications were encountered in the younger age groups and in nulliparous women. The dependence of the frequency of complications on the age of the patients was most marked among women who had borne children previously. In the total population, 29% of the women had the IUD removed within a period of three years. In women under the age of 20 years, 45% were removed and, in women over the age of 35 years, only 18% were removed during the same period. The total pregnancy risk was 2.7/100 women after use for two years and 3.2/100 women after three years. In contrast to this, the risk in women under 20 years was 6.6/100 women and 10.8/100 women after use for two and three years, respectively. On account of a high frequency of infection, increased tendency to extrusion and poor effectivity, the use of IUDs in young nulliparous women is not recommended.