Long-term clinical experience with the Cu-7-IUD. Evaluation of a prospective study

In a prospective Swedish three-center study, totally 1446 women wearing a Cu-7-IUD were carefully followed for a minimum 2 years. Smaller subgroups have been followed for 4 years (n=278) or for even longer periods up to 8 years (n=48) with the same Cu-7-IUD in situ. Data are given concerning continuation rate, efficiency, expulsion, removals, pain, bleeding and risk for pelvic inflammatory disease. Prolonged use of the Cu-7-IUD beyond 2 years up to 4 years seems to be associated with fewer side effects and a lower incidence of accidental pregnancies than during the first 2 years of use. The computerized data confirm our earlier impression that the Cu-7-IUD provides a substantial efficacy and is associated with a relatively low rate of adverse effects.