A controlled intrauterine contraceptive device trial

Three intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) the Lippes Loop, the Dalkon Shield and the Inhiband, were prospectively compared after their random allocation to patients. Over a 12-month period after insertion, the Dalkon Shield was shown to be significantly superior to the Inhiband. Significant differences were not demonstrated between Shield and Loop or Loop and Inhiband in the duuration of this trial. It is submitted that the methodology detailed could, and probably should be used for future IUCD assessments.