[The copper IUD as an alternative to the "pill". Experiences with the intrauterine device Gyne-T]

The author reports upon his experiences with the copper-IUCD Gyne-T in 100 cases. With careful selection of appropriate patients and wary procedure there were no difficulties of insertion, not even in nulliparous women. In the majority of cases the IUCD was inserted because of contraindication or intolerance of hormonal contraceptives. 68 women had no complaints at all, 32 showed unwanted reactions, mostly bleeding disturbances, dysmenorrhoea or inflammation. These, however, occurred only temporarily or could be relieved by therapy. In 4 cases only the IUD had to be removed for medical reasons; in 2 cases it was expelled. Perforations or pregnancies did not occur. Thus the insertion of Gyne-T seems to be an effective, practicable and acceptable contraceptive method, particularly as alternative to hormonal contraception.