Effect of copper intrauterine device on the cyclooxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the luteal phase endometrium

Background

To evaluate the effect of copper intrauterine device (IUD) on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the luteal phase endometrium.

Study Design

A prospective clinical study was conducted on 30 women who were willing to use a copper IUD contraception. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were taken before and 3 months after the insertion of the IUD on Day 3 and Days 20–24 of the cycle. Main outcome measures were to evaluate the effect of copper IUD on uterine artery blood flow using pulsed color Doppler ultrasonography and the relationship of bleeding abnormalities and menstrual pain level with the uterine blood flow, COX-2 and iNOS expression.

Results

Only the left uterine artery pulsatility and resistance indices decreased statistically significantly (p=.005 and p=.039, respectively). Other Doppler parameters showed no change. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression of both endometrial luminal epithelium (p=.03) and gland epithelium (p=.03) increased significantly. Inducible NOS expression of the endometrial surface epithelium decreased significantly after IUD insertion (p=.01).

Conclusions

Although COX-2 expression increased 3 months after copper IUD insertion, iNOS expression of the luminal epithelium decreased. Local hypoxia caused by copper and vasoconstrictor prostanoids may play a role in IUD-related menstrual abnormalities.     

Effects of prophylactic misoprostol administration prior to intrauterine device insertion in nulliparous women

Background

This study was conducted to examine the effects of prophylactic misoprostol prior to intrauterine device (IUD) placement in nulliparous women.

Study Design

Nulliparous, reproductive-aged women desiring an IUD for contraception were randomized to receive 400 mcg of buccal misoprostol or placebo 90 min prior to IUD insertion. Subjects completed a series of 100-mm visual analogue scales (VAS, anchors: 0=none, 100 mm=worst imaginable) to measure their perceived pain at several times points (anticipated pain, leg positioning, speculum placement, tenaculum placement, IUD insertion, equipment removal and 5 min postinsertion). Secondary outcomes included provider “ease of placement” (100-mm VAS, anchors: 0=easy, 100 mm=extremely difficult), side effects and retention of the IUD after 1 month (self-report or clinic visit). The study had 80% power (α=0.05, one-sided) to detect a reduction with treatment of 20 mm in VAS scores with a combined sample size of 34.

Results

A total of 40 subjects were randomized to receive either misoprostol or placebo, and 35 completed the study. Five subjects withdrew (four prior to receiving study medication and one declined IUD). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. There were no significant differences in patient-reported pain with IUD placement [misoprostol 65 mm (SD 21), placebo 55 mm (SD 21), p=.83] or at any other time point. Moreover, the misoprostol group reported significantly more preinsertion nausea (29% vs. 5%, p=.05) and cramping (47% vs. 16%, p=.04) than the placebo group. While provider-reported ease of insertion was not significantly different between groups, three placebo patients required additional dilation vs. none in the misoprostol group. All 35 subjects underwent follow-up at least 1 month postinsertion, and no expulsions were reported.

Conclusion

Prophylactic misoprostol prior to IUD placement in nulliparous women did not reduce patient perceived pain, but it did appear to increase preinsertion side effects.     

Effects of Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) and Ortho Gynae T380 intrauterine copper device on lipid metabolism—a randomized comparative study

Background

This study aims to assess the effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on lipid metabolism in an Asian population using Ortho Gynae T380 copper containing (nonhormonal) intrauterine device (IUD) as a control.

Study Design

Ninety-two healthy women requesting IUD for contraception were randomly allocated to the two groups and were followed up at 6-, 12- and 18-month intervals. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) and apolipoprotein B were measured pre insertion and at each visit following insertion.

Results

There was a marginally significant reduction in TC level in the LNG-IUS group. HDL-C showed a significant reduction in the LNG-IUS group at 6 months but reverted back to its preinsertion value by 1 year. TG, LDL-C and the cholesterol ratios remained stable. Levels of Apo A-I and B also showed no significant reduction in both groups, and their ratios remained stable and insignificant.

Conclusion

In this randomized comparative study among our local Asian population, it is assuring to note that the LNG-IUS does not have any adverse effects on lipid metabolism.     

Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, quality of life and sexuality. Experience in an Italian family planning center

Background

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was first marketed in 1990 in Finland. Since then, it has been approved in approximately 120 countries throughout the world, with almost 50 million women-years of cumulative experience to date. Its high contraceptive effectiveness and favorable bleeding profile, leading to significant reduction of menstrual bleeding both in women with idiopathic menorrhagia and in those with normal menstrual bleedings, have been the key to the success of the system. At the same time, women need to be provided adequate preinsertion counseling about changes in menstrual bleeding to be expected. In the Italian context, it is important to highlight during counseling that amenorrhea is not harmful but can lead to health benefits such as an increase in iron blood stores and blood hemoglobin concentration.

Study Design

To evaluate contraceptive efficacy, compliance and the effect of changes in menstrual cyclicity on quality of life and sexuality of the LNG-IUS (Mirena®), 156 women attending the Family Planning Clinic to request contraception were enrolled in the study and inserted with the device.

Results

Menstrual blood flow decreased in all users, in terms of both quantity and duration; although spotting was present in 93.7% of the women, it disappeared within 6 months in the majority of cases. Amenorrhea occurred in 29.5% of all women, with onset within the first six cycles postinsertion. Data from the EuroQuality of Life-5D and Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires showed improvement in the quality of life, with a decrease in intercourse-related pain and an improvement in sexual desire.

Conclusions

Although in Italy intrauterine contraception is poorly accepted, once started on LNG-IUS, women found that the device represents a safe and effective contraceptive modality, with valuable noncontraceptive benefits, especially in the presence of heavy or prolonged bleeding.     

Quantitative menstrual and intermenstrual blood loss in women using Lippes Loop and Copper T intrauterine devices

One-hundred-twenty-seven women were studied during three consecutive menstrual cycles preceding and six non-consecutive menstrual cycles during the first year following insertion of either a Lippes Loop C or Copper T intrauterine device (IUD). Both menstrual blood loss (MBL) and intermenstrual blood loss (IMBL) were quantified during these cycles. When postinsertion MBL was averaged and compared to mean preinsertion MBL, the Lippes Loop and Copper T devices increased the volume of menstrual bleeding by 99 and 42 percent, respectively. In spite of this, mean hemoglobin levels did not change significantly during the period of study.Quantifiable IMBL was experienced primarily during the first cycle postinsertion. The incidence was 90 percent in women inserted with the Lippes Loop C and 48 percent in women inserted with the Copper T during this cycle. The volume of IMBL was extremely variable among the women studied (0.7 – 398 ml). In several cases the volume nearly equalled or even exceeded the MBL of the first cycle. Incidence of IMBL fell to 6.5 percent and 5.0 percent in the second postinsertion cycle for women with loops and copper devices, respectively. Thereafter the incidence was negligible. This marked decrease in incidence apparently was not due to closures for bleeding. Average IMBL contributed less than ten percent of total blood loss experienced by the IUD users during the first year after insertion. Following the first postinsertion cycle, mean IMBL contributed less than two percent of the total blood loss.     

Vaginal flora changes on Pap smears after insertion of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device

Background

The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) combines a uterine foreign body and the continuous release of low-dose levonorgestrel for contraception. Its influence on the rate of vulvovaginal infections and flora disturbance is insufficiently known, but important for contraceptive advice in women, especially those who develop recurrent vaginosis or Candida vulvovaginitis.

Study Design

Slides of 286 women who had a Pap smear taken before and 1 to 2 years after placement of a LNG-IUS were blindly reviewed for the presence of abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV) and Candida vaginitis (CV).

Results

Prior to insertion, there were no differences in vaginal flora abnormalities between women using different kinds of contraception. LNG-IUS users did not have different rates of AVF, BV, AV or CV, but the general risk to develop any infection was increased. Uterine bleeding after insertion did not seem to predict a different flora type.

Conclusion

We found that Pap smears suggested more vaginal infections after 1 year of LNG-IUS use than prior to insertion of the device.     

Weight change at 12 months in users of three progestin-only contraceptive methods

Background

Concerns about weight gain may influence contraceptive use. We compared the change in body weight over the first 12 months of use between women using the etonogestrel (ENG) implant, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) with women using the copper intrauterine device (IUD).

Study Design

This was a substudy of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, a prospective cohort study of 9256 women provided no-cost contraception. Women who had been using the ENG implant, LNG-IUS, DMPA or copper IUD continuously for at least 11 months were eligible for participation. We obtained body weight at enrollment and at 12 months and compared the weight change for each progestin-only method to the copper IUD.

Results

We enrolled a total of 427 women: 130 ENG implant users, 130 LNG-IUS users, 67 DMPA users and 100 copper IUD users. The mean weight change (in kilograms) over 12 months was 2.1 for ENG implant users [standard deviation (SD)=6.7]; 1.0 for LNG-IUS users (SD=5.3); 2.2 for DMPA users (SD=4.9) and 0.2 for copper IUD users (SD=5.1). The range of weight change was broad across all contraceptive methods. In the unadjusted linear regression model, ENG implant and DMPA use were associated with weight gain compared to the copper IUD. However, in the adjusted model, no difference in weight gain with the ENG implant, LNG-IUS or DMPA was observed. Only Black race was associated with significant weight gain (1.3 kg, 95% confidence interval=0.2–2.4) when compared to other racial groups.

Conclusions

Weight change was variable among women using progestin-only contraceptives. Black race was a significant predictor of weight gain among contraceptive users.     

Emergency contraception with a copper IUD or oral levonorgestrel: an observational study of 1-year pregnancy rates

Objective

We investigated the 1-year pregnancy rates for emergency contraception (EC) users who selected the copper T380 intrauterine device (IUD) or oral levonorgestrel (LNG) for EC.

Study Design

This prospective study followed women for 1 year after choosing either the copper T380 IUD or oral LNG for EC. The study was powered to detect a 6% difference in pregnancy rates within the year after presenting for EC.

Results

Of the 542 women who presented for EC, agreed to participate in the trial and met the inclusion criteria, 215 (40%) chose the copper IUD and 327 (60%) chose oral LNG. In the IUD group, 127 (59%) were nulligravid. IUD insertion failed in 42 women (19%). The 1-year follow-up rate was 443/542 (82%); 64% of IUD users contacted at 1 year still had their IUDs in place. The 1-year cumulative pregnancy rate in women choosing the IUD was 6.5% vs. 12.2% in those choosing oral LNG [hazard ratio (HR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29–0.97, p=.041]. By type of EC method actually received, corresponding values were 5.2% for copper IUD users vs. 12.3% for oral LNG users (HR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.85, p=.017). A multivariable logistic regression model controlling for demographic variables demonstrates that women who chose the IUD for EC had fewer pregnancies in the following year than those who chose oral LNG (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26–0.96, p=.037).

Conclusion

One year after presenting for EC, women choosing the copper IUD for EC were half as likely to have a pregnancy compared to those choosing oral LNG.

Implications

Compared to EC users who choose oral levonorgestrel, those who select the copper IUD have lower rates of pregnancy in the next year. Greater use of the copper IUD for EC may lower rates of unintended pregnancy in high-risk women.     

Ease of insertion and clinical performance of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in nulligravidas

Background

Despite the high contraceptive efficacy and the additional noncontraceptive benefits of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), concerns persist with respect to its use in nulligravidas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ease of insertion and clinical performance of the LNG-IUS in nulligravida women up to 1 year after insertion.

Methods

Two cohorts were formed after LNG-IUS insertion, one consisting of 159 nulligravidas and the other of 477 parous women. Each nulligravida women was paired with three parous women who had an LNG-IUS inserted on the same day. Insertion was classified as easy or difficult, and when classified as difficult, the use of Hegar dilators and/or misoprostol and insertion failure were additional factors recorded.

Results

In almost 80% of cases, no difficulty was encountered during insertion, and dilators and misoprostol were seldom required; however, when necessary, dilator use was almost threefold higher in nulligravida women. Insertion failed in one nulligravida women and in two parous women. Contraception was the most common reason for insertion, although some of the women received the LNG-IUS for both contraceptive and therapeutic purposes, including heavy menstrual bleeding, hematologic diseases, warfarin use, endometriosis-associated pain and following kidney or liver transplantation. The clinical performance of the device showed zero pregnancy rate, expulsion rates of ∼4/100 women-year and 1-year continuation rate of over 90% in both groups.

Conclusions

The LNG-IUS is suitable for use by nulligravidas. It is simple to insert, and its clinical performance in nulligravidas is similar to that found in parous women.     

Effect of copper intrauterine device on the cyclooxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the luteal phase endometrium

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of copper intrauterine device (IUD) on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the luteal phase endometrium.Study DesignA prospective clinical study was conducted on 30 women who were willing to use a copper IUD contraception. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were taken before and 3 months after the insertion of the IUD on Day 3 and Days 20–24 of the cycle. Main outcome measures were to evaluate the effect of copper IUD on uterine artery blood flow using pulsed color Doppler ultrasonography and the relationship of bleeding abnormalities and menstrual pain level with the uterine blood flow, COX-2 and iNOS expression.ResultsOnly the left uterine artery pulsatility and resistance indices decreased statistically significantly (p=.005 and p=.039, respectively). Other Doppler parameters showed no change. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression of both endometrial luminal epithelium (p=.03) and gland epithelium (p=.03) increased significantly. Inducible NOS expression of the endometrial surface epithelium decreased significantly after IUD insertion (p=.01).ConclusionsAlthough COX-2 expression increased 3 months after copper IUD insertion, iNOS expression of the luminal epithelium decreased. Local hypoxia caused by copper and vasoconstrictor prostanoids may play a role in IUD-related menstrual abnormalities.     

A randomized prospective trial comparing the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system with thermal balloon ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding

Background

Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was compared with thermal balloon ablation (TBA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

Study Design

A prospective randomized trial comparing the LNG-IUS (n=30 women) and TBA (n=28 women).

Results

Hemoglobin levels increased (p<.001) and blood loss was reduced (p<.001) in both groups after 1 year of treatment. Menstrual bleeding was less in the LNG-IUS group compared to the TBA group at 6 and 12 months of treatment (p=.035 and p=.048, respectively). Intermenstrual bleeding was significantly less in the TBA group at 6 months compared to the LNG-IUS group (p=.044); however, there was no significant difference at 12 months (p=.129). No difference was found in psychological aspects between pre- and posttreatment variables in either of the groups (p=.537).

Conclusions

Both the LNG-IUS and TBA appear to be effective in controlling HMB; however, posttreatment uterine bleeding patterns are different.     

Immediate postplacental insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device during cesarean section

Background

An intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective reversible form of contraception. We determined the efficacy and safety of immediate postplacental IUD insertion during cesarean section.

Study Design

Two hundred forty-five women with term pregnancies delivering by cesarean section between September 2006 and December 2007 were included in the study. A copper IUD (TCu 380A) was inserted using a ring forceps within 10 min of removing the placenta. The participants were examined before hospital discharge and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum.

Results

None of the patients were lost to follow-up. There was one case of an unplanned pregnancy (0.4%). There were no serious complications associated with immediate IUD insertion during cesarean section. The cumulative rates of expulsion, removal for bleeding/pain and other medical reasons were 17.6, 8.2 and 2.4 per 100 women per year, respectively. The continuation rates were 81.6% and 62% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Immediate postplacental IUD insertion during cesarean section provides adequate protection against pregnancy. However, greater than one fourth of the participants discontinued IUD use due to spontaneous expulsion or other medical reasons.     

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with inherited bleeding disorders: long-term follow-up

Background

There are currently limited data on the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) particularly on its long-term (>12 months) efficacy.

Study Design

This study involves a case series of women with IBDs who received the LNG-IUS as treatment for HMB. Menstrual blood loss before its insertion and at the time of follow-up was assessed by the pictorial blood-loss assessment chart (PBAC) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. A questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life (QOL) during menstruation before and after insertion of the LNG-IUS.

Results

Twenty-six women were included. The median duration of LNG-IUS use at follow-up was 33 months (range, 14–103). The median PBAC score decreased from 255 (range, 134–683) to 35 (range, 0–89) with LNG-IUS use. The median Hb concentrations (11.2 to 13.2 g/dL) and QOL scores (median, 26 to 52) improved significantly with LNG-IUS use (p<.01).

Conclusion

The LNG-IUS appears to be an effective long-term treatment for HMB in women with IBDs.     

Intrauterine device use among women with uterine fibroids: a systematic review

Background

There are concerns that intrauterine device (IUD) use by women with uterine fibroids might increase their uterine bleeding or risk for device expulsion. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence concerning the safety and effectiveness of IUD use among women with uterine fibroids. Key questions included whether IUD use is associated with increased risk for uterine bleeding among women with uterine fibroids and whether the presence of uterine fibroids is associated with an increased risk for device expulsion among IUD users.

Study Design

We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles relevant to IUD (copper or levonorgestrel-releasing) use and uterine fibroids published in any language from database inception through June 2009. We used standard abstract forms and a grading system to summarize and assess the quality of the evidence.

Results

From 202 articles found in the database search, we identified 11 studies that met our inclusion criteria, all of which examined outcomes among users of the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD). Evidence from 10 of 11 noncomparative studies (Level II-3, fair) suggests that LNG-IUD use among women with fibroids does not increase menstrual bleeding, and results from all 11 showed that menstrual blood loss decreased among women who continued to use the LNG-IUD through the end of the study period. Overall, serum levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin increased among LNG-IUD users in studies that assessed these outcomes. Several studies reported some occurrences of irregular bleeding. Findings from two cohort studies (Level II-2, fair to poor) showed rates of LNG-IUD expulsion to be higher among women with uterine fibroids (11% in each) than among women without uterine fibroids (0% and 3%); however, in one study the difference was not statistically significant, and in the other significance testing was not conducted. Six prospective noncomparative studies reported expulsion rates of 0-20% among women with uterine fibroids.

Conclusions

Most women with uterine fibroids are likely to have less menstrual blood loss and higher serum levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin after insertion of an LNG-IUD, despite some occurrences of irregular bleeding. LNG-IUD users with uterine fibroids may have higher rates of expulsion than those without fibroids.     

Body weight and composition in users of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

BackgroundThere is little information about body weight and body composition (BC) among users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). The aim of this study was to evaluate body weight and BC in LNG-IUS users compared to users of the TCu380A intrauterine device (IUD).Study DesignA prospective study was done with 76 new users of both contraceptive methods. Women were paired by age (±2 years) and body mass index (BMI, kg/m², ±2). Body weight and BC (% lean mass and % fat mass) were evaluated by a trained professional at baseline and at 1 year of contraceptive use. The BC measurements were obtained using Lunar DXA equipment. Weight and BC were evaluated in each woman at baseline and at 12 months and analyzed as the mean change within each woman. Then, the changes in weight and BC for each woman were calculated and then compared between LNG-IUS and TCu380A IUD users (paired data for each woman). The central-to-peripheral fat ratio was calculated by dividing trunk fat by the upper and lower limb fat.ResultsThere were no significant differences at time of IUD insertion between LNG-IUS and TCu380A IUD users regarding age (mean±SD) (34.4±7.5 vs. 33.9±8.0 years), BMI (25.3±4.1 vs. 25.9±4.1) and number of pregnancies (1.9±0.2 vs. 1.7±0.2), respectively. Mean body weight gain of 2.9 kg was observed among LNG-IUS users at 12 months (p=.0012), whereas the body weight of TCu380A IUD users only increased by 1.4 kg (p=.067). There was no significant difference in body weight change between the two groups of users at 12 months. The variation in the central-to-peripheral fat ratio was the same between the two groups (?1.6% vs. ?0.2%; p=.364). LNG-IUS users showed a 2.5% gain in fat mass (p=.0009) and a 1.4% loss of lean mass, whereas TCu380A IUD users showed a loss of 1.3% of fat mass (p=.159) and gain of 1.0% of lean mass (p=.120). TCu380A IUD users gained more lean mass than LNG-IUS users (p=.0270), although there was no significant difference between the two groups after 12 months of use.ConclusionsAlthough an increase in mean fat mass among LNG-IUS users at 12 months of use was observed, it should be noted that an increase of body weight was also observed in both groups after 1 year of insertion of the device. However, a study with a larger number of women and long-term evaluation is necessary to evaluate these body changes.     

Effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in the treatment of adenomyosis diagnosed and monitored by magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on adenomyotic lesions diagnosed and monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN: LNG-IUS was inserted during menstrual bleeding in 29 women, 24 to 46 years of age, with MRI-diagnosed adenomyosis associated with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. Clinical evaluations were carried out at baseline and at 3 and 6 months postinsertion. MRI was performed at baseline and at 6 months postinsertion and was used to calculate junctional zone thickness (in mm), to define the junctional zone borders, to identify the presence of high-signal foci on T(2)-weighted images and to calculate uterine volume (in mL). RESULTS: A significant reduction of 24.2% in junctional zone thickness was observed (p<.0001); however, no significant decrease in uterine volume was observed (142.6 mL vs. 136.4 mL; p=.2077) between baseline and the 6-month evaluation. A significant decrease in pain score was observed at 3 and 6 months after insertion (p<.0001); however, six women continued to report pain scores >3 at 6 months of observation. At 3 months of use, the most common bleeding pattern was spotting, and at 6 months of observation, oligomenorrhea was the most common pattern observed, although spotting was present in one third of the women. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of an LNG-IUS led to a reduction in pain and abnormal bleeding associated with adenomyosis. MRI was useful for monitoring response of adenomyotic lesions to the LNG-IUS.     

A survey of provider experience with misoprostol to facilitate intrauterine device insertion in nulliparous women

Background

There is a significant need for research on treatments that provide pain relief during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Misoprostol is frequently used before IUD insertion but is not always necessary and its use may increase pain and side effects. This survey evaluated how providers who perform IUD insertion in nulliparous women report using misoprostol to facilitate the procedure.

Study Design

An anonymous Internet-based survey was distributed to members of three professional organizations with family planning providers.

Results

Of 2211 survey respondents, 1905 (86%) reported providing IUDs to nulliparous women. Of those providing IUDs to nulliparous women, 947/1905 (49.7%) reported using misoprostol, and 380 (40%) of 947 of misoprostol users reported using the treatment empirically with all nulliparous IUD insertions. There was wide variation reported in dose, route and timing of misoprostol administration. Providers most commonly reported learning of misoprostol use for IUD insertion by word of mouth rather than through the literature.

Conclusions

Despite conflicting published data, nearly half of survey respondents use misoprostol before IUD insertion. Considerable variation in the timing of misoprostol use may explain differences in perception of its effectiveness. Evidence-based information about misoprostol for IUD insertion in nulliparous women, including pharmacokinetics, efficacy and optimal dosing, is needed.     

Self-administration of misoprostol prior to intrauterine device insertion among nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Barriers to intrauterine device (IUD) use in nulliparous women include fear of pain with insertion and provider perception of difficulty with insertion. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether misoprostol prior to IUD insertion in nulliparous women eased insertion and decreased pain.

Study Design

This was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Nulliparous women requesting an IUD were randomized to buccal placement of 400-mcg misoprostol or placebo. Provider ease of insertion and patient-reported pain were measured using a 100-mm visual analogue scale.

Results

Seventy-three subjects completed the study. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Provider perception of ease of insertion was not different between study and control groups (28.97 mm, 22.33 mm, p=.18). Pain immediately prior to IUD insertion (10.84 vs. 2.11; p=.003) and after IUD insertion (46.50 vs. 35.14; p=.040) was higher for those in the study group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that it is not helpful to provide misoprostol for cervical ripening prior to insertion of IUDs as it does not improve ease of insertion for provider or decrease reported pain for the woman, and it may increase women's pain experience with insertion.

Implication Statement

Our study demonstrates that providers do not perceive nulliparous IUD insertion as difficult; women do experience pain with insertion but find the experience acceptable. The addition of misoprostol for cervical ripening prior to insertion does not ease insertion for providers and increases the pain level experienced by women.     

Postplacental or delayed levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion and breast-feeding duration

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of timing of postpartum levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) insertion on breast-feeding continuation.

Study Design

Women interested in using a levonorgestrel IUD postpartum were randomized to immediate postplacental insertion (postplacental group) or insertion 6–8 weeks after vaginal delivery (delayed group). Duration and exclusivity of breast-feeding were assessed at 6–8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Only women who received an IUD were included in this analysis.

Results

Breast-feeding was initiated by 32 (64%) of 50 of women receiving a postplacental IUD and 27 (58.7%) of 46 of women receiving a delayed IUD (p=.59). More women in the delayed group compared with the postplacental group continued to breast-feed at 6–8 weeks (16/46 vs. 15/50, p=.62), 3 months (13/46 vs. 7/50, p=.13), and 6 months postpartum (11/46 vs. 3/50, p=.02). The results did not differ when only women who initiated breast-feeding or only primiparous women with no prior breast-feeding experience were analyzed.

Conclusions

Immediate postplacental insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD is associated with shorter duration of breast-feeding and less exclusive breast-feeding. Further studies on the effects of early initiation of progestin-only methods on women's lactation experience are needed.     

Immediate placement of intrauterine devices after first and second trimester pregnancy termination

Background

We reviewed our experience with intrauterine device (IUD) placement after surgical abortion up to 20 weeks' gestation.

Study Design

Women presenting for elective abortion between January 2004 and March 2009 who requested an IUD were included in this retrospective review.

Results

Of 308 women requesting postabortion IUD placement, 221 (72%) planned insertion at the time of abortion (immediate group) and 87 (28%) planned insertion at their postoperative visit (interval group). IUDs were placed in 96% of the immediate group and in 23% of the interval group (212/221 vs. 20/87; p<.0001). Failure to return for placement was the most common reason for noninsertion in the interval group (60/87=69%). Follow-up information was obtained for 56% of patients and was documented a median of 137 days postabortion (range 3–1594 days). There was no difference in complication rates between groups. Expulsion rates were 3% and 0% in the immediate and interval groups, respectively (6/212 vs. 0/20; p=.4). Considering only those with documented follow-up after immediate insertion (119), there was a nonsignificant trend towards increased expulsion with placement after second vs. first trimester abortion (4/54=7% vs. 2/65=2%; p=.3). When analyzing the 172 subjects with documented follow-up, those planning immediate insertion were more likely to have an IUD in situ at the last contact than those planning later insertion (84/124=68% vs. 20/48=42%; p=.002).

Conclusion

Immediate postabortion IUD insertion is safe and effective. Given the low rate of return for interval insertion, immediate placement may be preferable.