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Fertility after intrauterine device discontinuation
Advances in Contraception : the Official Journal of the Society for the Advancement of Contraception
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Previous intrauterine device (IUD) use did not negatively impact future fertility or pregnancy outcomes in women who had their IUDs removed or expelled. This finding is crucial for understanding long-term reproductive health after IUD discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Gynecology
- Contraception
Background:
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a common form of reversible contraception.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential long-term effects of IUD use on subsequent fertility.
- Understanding fertility after IUD discontinuation is important for reproductive counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate infertility rates and pregnancy outcomes in women after IUD removal or expulsion.
- To determine if prior IUD use affects subsequent reproductive health.
- To identify any associations between IUD duration, expulsion, or type and fertility outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 219 former IUD users.
- Data collection on infertility, pregnancy outcomes, and ectopic pregnancies.
- Analysis of IUD type, duration of use, and expulsion history.
Main Results:
- Six women (2.7%) experienced infertility.
- Infertility rates were higher for women with IUDs used >2 years and those who expelled their IUDs.
- Five women (2.3%) had ectopic pregnancies.
- No significant difference in infertility or pregnancy outcomes based on IUD type (Cu-7, Dalkon Shield, Lippes Loop).
Conclusions:
- Prior IUD use does not appear to impair subsequent fertility.
- Pregnancy outcomes are not negatively affected by previous IUD use.
- Women can be reassured about their reproductive potential after discontinuing IUD use for non-pregnancy related reasons.