Preliminary report on the use of the combined multiload contraceptive intrauterine device (ML Cu-250)

The multiload contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD) (ML Cu-250) is made of polyethylene and contains copper wire which is wrapped around the stem, providing 250 sq mm of exposed copper surface area. The IUD was inserted in 294 women comprising 1884 women-months of use. Four pregnancies and three expulsions occurred. In 13 instances the ML Cu-250 IUD was removed for medical reasons (side effects). The net cumulative pregnancy rate for a 12-month period after insertion was 3.9% and the expulsion rate was 1.6%; the medical removal rate was 8.2%. No perforations or tubal pregnancies occurred. Our results with the ML Cu-250 was compared with our previous experience with other IUDs. It seems that the comparatively low pregnancy, expulsion, and medical removal rates render the ML Cu-250 a good device for clinical use.