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Does the copper intrauterine device affect serum cancer antigen 125 levels?
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kafkas University Medical Faculty, Kars, Turkey.
Insights
Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) may lower serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels. This finding could aid in evaluating ovarian masses in women of reproductive age using IUDs.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Health
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is a tumor marker often elevated in ovarian cancer.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are common contraceptives, with copper IUDs being a popular choice.
- Understanding factors influencing CA-125 levels is crucial for accurate diagnostic interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of copper IUD usage on serum CA-125 levels.
- To determine if copper IUDs affect CA-125 concentrations in healthy women.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 20 healthy volunteers who use copper IUDs for contraception.
- Serum samples were collected from participants before and after IUD insertion.
- CA-125 levels were quantified using a commercial kit and analyzer.
Main Results:
- Serum CA-125 levels were significantly lower after IUD insertion compared to pre-insertion levels (24.63 +/- 25.40 mIU/ml vs. 14.44 +/- 10.08 mIU/ml, p < 0.05).
- The data suggests a decrease in serum CA-125 following the use of a copper IUD.
Conclusions:
- Copper IUD use is associated with reduced serum CA-125 levels.
- This finding may have implications for the interpretation of elevated CA-125 in women of reproductive age, potentially aiding in the evaluation of ovarian masses.
Purpose:
This study aimed to reveal the effect of the copper IUD, if any, on serum CA-125 levels in patients who use the device as a contraceptive.
Methods:
Blood samples were obtained two times from 20 healthy volunteers before and after IUD insertion, and sera were isolated. The sera, centrifuged at 2000 G and kept at -70 degrees C in a deep freezer until analyzed, were processed for CA-125 levels by the CA-125 kit using VIDAS PC analyzer (Biomerieux, France) and results were compared.
Results:
The CA-125 level of the serum obtained from the first blood samples was significantly higher than that of the second sample (24.63 +/- 25.40 mIU/ml and 14.44 +/- 10.08 mIU/ml, respectively) (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The results of this study indicate that the serum level of CA-125 may be lower in patients using copper IUDs which may be helpful in evaluation of ovarian masses in women in reproductive age.
