Long-term reversible contraception: Twelve years of experience with the TCu380A and TCu220C

Few data on the long-term efficacy of intrauterine devies (IUD) are available, and this article reports on the final 12-year experience with the TCu220C and TCu380A devices from two randomized, multicenter trials conducted in 24 centers. A total of 3,277 and 1,396 women, respectively, were recruited for use of each device between 1981 and 1986 and followed at 3, 6, and 12 months after insertion and yearly thereafter. At the end of 12 years, a total of 17,098 women-years of experience had been accumulated for the TCu220C and 7,159 women-years for the TCu380A. The cumulative 12-year intrauterine pregnancy rates were 7.0 (standard error [SE] 0.6) per 100 women for the TCu220C and 1.9 (SE 0.5) for the TCu380A (p < 0.001). Pregnancy rates were highest in the first years after insertion; the TCu220C had a consistently higher annual pregnancy rate than did the TCu380A at all intervals since insertion. No pregnancies were reported with the TCu380A after 8 years of use. Total medical removals were approximately 6% in the first year and dropped to approximately 4% per year for each device for up to 12 years of use (cumulative 12 year rates were 37.3 [SE 1.3] and 40.2 [SE 2.1] per 100 women for the TCu220C and TCu380A devices, respectively). The overall continuation rate at all intervals since insertion was higher with the TCu220C device, mainly due to higher removal rates for nonmedical reasons with the TCu380A. The cumulative ectopic pregnancy rates were 0.7 and 0.4 for the TCu220C and TCu380A, respectively. Pregnancy rates were higher in the Chinese compared with the non-Chinese centers for both devices, though the greater efficacy of the TCu380A was apparent in both groups of centers. The total medical and nonmedical removal rates were lower in the Chinese compared with the non-Chinese centers, and did not show any substantial differences between the devices. We conclude that both devices are safe and effective for at least 12 years of use and the low pregnancy rate with the TCu380A is comparable with that reported in the United States among women who had undergone tubal sterilization. The very high efficacy of the TCu380A makes it the IUD of choice, and it can be considered as a potentially reversible, nonsurgical alternative to sterilization for women requiring very long-term pregnancy protection.     

Performance of the Frameless IUD (Flexigard prototype inserter) and the TCu380A after six years as part of a WHO multicenter randomized comparative clinical trial in parous women

The clinical performance of the new Frameless IUD was compared with the TCu380A, the most widely used copper IUD in the world today. Insertions of the Frameless IUD were conducted with a prototype inserter (Flexigard). We report on the 6-year results from a randomized comparative clinical trial conducted at the Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, as part of an international multicenter WHO clinical trial, involving 200 women, respectively recruited for use of each device. The cumulative 6-year pregnancy rates were 0.0 per 100 women for the Frameless IUD and 3.3 for TCu380A. Termination due to partial expulsion was significantly less for the Frameless IUD as compared with TCu380A (0.0 and 4.3 per hundred women, respectively). Complete expulsion, bleeding, pain, bleeding and pain and other medical reasons for termination did not differ significantly between the two devices. The net cumulative continuation rates at six years per 100 women were 80.8 for TCu380A, and 83.0 for the Frameless IUD.Both Frameless IUD and TCu380A are highly effective, safe and acceptable contraceptive devices, because of low pregnancy rates (per 100 women), and low termination rates due to expulsion, pain, bleeding, and bleeding and pain. Due to its anchoring, the Frameless IUD is significantly more effective than the TCu380A IUD as regards proper retention of the IUD in the uterine cavity. This may also explain its lower failure rate.     

Performance of the frameless GyneFix and the TCu380A IUDs in a 3-year multicenter, randomized, comparative trial in parous women

This study was conducted to evaluate a new and improved inserter (GyneFix) for the anchoring of the Frameless IUD in the uterine cavity. Previous studies conducted with a prototype inserter (Flexigard) did not show fully the advantages of the new anchoring concept because of the shortcomings of the Flexigard inserter and the complexity of the insertion technique. The GyneFix IUD was compared with the TCu380A IUD in six centers in China in approximately 300 women in each group. Only parous women were included in the study. The data from this 3-year, ongoing study demonstrate that the shortcomings of the inserter have been corrected, resulting in better performance and a much reduced rate of failed insertion/expulsion of the frameless and anchored device. The cumulative expulsion rate with the GyneFix IUD was 3.0 at 3 years (annual rates 2.67, 0.33, and 0.0, respectively) compared with a cumulative expulsion rate of 7.38 at 3 years with TCu380A (annual rates 4.63, 1.76, and 1.04, respectively). This difference is statistically significant. The majority of the expulsions with the anchored IUD occurred early in the study, indicating improper anchoring technique. The study also shows that both devices are highly efficacious. No pregnancies occurred with the GyneFix IUD (cumulative pregnancy rate 0.0 at 3 years) versus one pregnancy with TCu380A (cumulative pregnancy rate 0.34 at 3 years). The total use-related discontinuation rate at 3 years was significantly lower with the GyneFix IUD (8.34) than with the TCu380A IUD (14.13) and results in a higher rate of continuation with the GyneFix IUD compared to the TCu380A IUD (90.73 vs 85.25). Neither perforations nor pelvic inflammatory disease cases were encountered with either device in this study, demonstrating the safety of the anchoring system.     

The comparative trial of TCu 380A IUD and progesterone-releasing vaginal ring used by lactating women

The objective of this paper was to compare the efficacy, acceptability, safety, and bleeding patterns of TCu 380A intrauterine device (IUD) and progesterone-releasing vaginal ring used by breastfeeding women. The study population included 97 breastfeeding women using IUD and 100 women using vaginal ring. Of the IUD users, no insertion failure, perforation, or accidental pregnancy occurred in 12 months. There was one IUD expulsion. There were no discontinuations of IUD due to medical reasons other than expulsion. The total discontinuation rate was 2.3%. In the ring group, no accidental pregnancy occurred. The major reasons for discontinuation were ring use-related problems and vaginal problems. The total discontinuation rate was 65.4% within 1 year. The frequency of any one complaint among the ring users was higher than that among the IUD users. There were no differences in the proportion of women having no sexual activity and in the weight of their babies between the two groups. Compared with the IUD users, the median number of bleeding/spotting (B/S) episodes and B/S days of the vaginal ring users were fewer; consequently, the mean length of B/S-free interval was longer in all four reference periods; the mean length of B/S episode and segment were the same; the occurrence of amenorrhea was more frequent; in contrast, the proportions of normal bleeding patterns were fewer. The frequencies of prolonged bleeding, frequent bleeding, and infrequent bleeding patterns did not differ between the two groups. The percentage of irregular bleeding was fewer only in the first two reference periods. It is concluded that the TCu 380A IUD and progesterone-releasing vaginal ring used by breastfeeding women are safe and effective. The higher discontinuation rate of the ring users was mainly because of use-related problems. Breastfeeding women with TCu 380A IUD had better tolerance and acceptability. The TCu 380A IUD does not, but the progesterone-releasing vaginal ring does, suppress the recovery of ovarian function. However, once return of menstruation occurred, there were no differences in bleeding patterns between the two contraceptive methods.     

Continuation rates and reasons for discontinuing TCu380A IUD use in Tabriz, Iran

PURPOSE: The long-term effectiveness of copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD) has been documented. This paper reports results from a 60-month study on the use of TCu380A IUD among 401 women in Tabriz, Iran. MATERIALS: In 2003, a 5% sample of women who had had an IUD inserted between May 1997 and May 1999 was taken. Analyses of discontinuation employed Tietze net rate life tables. RESULTS: Continuation of TCu380A IUD use by women at 1 month, 6 month, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 5 years was 98.2, 89.3, 79.3, 68.3, 57.6, 49.5 and 45.0 per 100, respectively. Among women using the TCu380A IUD, the rate of termination due to pain/bleeding was significantly higher than the rate of termination due to other causes. Overall, two pregnancies were reported within 5 years after insertion. A third pregnancy occurred on Year 6. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that family planning educators and health care providers should give more emphasis to counseling programs for women desiring IUD insertion and during follow-up.     

TCu 380A IUD: a reversible permanent contraceptive method in women over 35 years of age

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of the TCu 380A IUD in women who had been using the device for more than 10 years and who were 35 years of age or more on completion of the 10th year of IUD use. METHODS: A total of 228 women who had an IUD inserted between 1987 and 1992 were included in the study. The cutoff date for analysis was January 31, 2004. Clinical performance was evaluated by life-table analysis. The mean age of women at 10 years of use was 38.8+/-0.4 years and mean parity was 2.2+/-0.08 (mean+/-SD). The duration of follow-up beyond 10 years ranged from 1 to 72 months. No pregnancy was observed in 366 woman-years of observation beyond 10 years of use. The main reason for discontinuation was removal of the device because the clients had previously been informed that the IUD was not approved for use beyond 10 years. This reason accounted for a gross cumulative 6 years discontinuation rate of 42.5 per 100 women beyond 10 years. The other main reasons for discontinuation beyond 10 years of use were surgical sterilization, menopause and expulsion with gross cumulative 6-year termination rates of 19.2, 11.0 and 21.2 per 100 women, respectively. The cumulative continuation rate beyond 10 years was 67.0 at the end of the first year of follow-up and 21.2 at the end of the sixth year. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that the TCu 380A IUD loses its effectiveness after 10 years of use. RESULTS: The concept that women who have insertion of a TCu 380A IUD at the age of 25 years or older could use this IUD as a reversible but permanent method of contraception up to the menopause continues to be supported by the accumulation of evidence, although definitive evidence remains to be obtained.     

Safety and efficacy in parous women of a 52-mg levonorgestrel-medicated intrauterine device: a 7-year randomized comparative study with the TCu380A

ObjectivesTo compare rates of unintended pregnancy, method continuation and reasons for removal among women using the 52-mg levonorgestrel (daily release 20 microg) levonorgestrel IUD (LNG-IUD) or the copper T 380 A (TCu380A) intrauterine device.Study designThis was an open-label 7-year randomized controlled trial in 20 centres, 11 of which in China. Data on 1884 women with interval insertion of the LNG-IUD and 1871 of the TCu380A were analysed using life tables with 30-day intervals and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThe cumulative 7-year pregnancy rate of the LNG-IUD was 0.5 (standard error 0.2) per 100, significantly lower than 2.5 (0.4) per 100 of the TCu380A, cumulative method discontinuation rates at 7 years were 70.6 (1.2) and 40.8 (1.3) per 100, respectively. Dominant reasons for discontinuing the LNG-IUD were amenorrhea (26.1 [1.3] per 100) and reduced bleeding (12.5 [1.1] per 100), particularly in Chinese women and, for the TCu380A, increased bleeding (9.9 [0.9] per 100), especially among non-Chinese women. Removal rates for pain were similar for the two intrauterine devices (IUDs). Cumulative rates of removal for symptoms compatible with hormonal side effects were 5.7 (0.7) and 0.4 (0.2) per 100 for the LNG-IUD and TCu380A, respectively, and cumulative losses to follow-up at 7 years were 26.0 (1.4) and 36.9 (1.3) per 100, respectively.ConclusionThe LNG-IUD and the TCu380A have very high contraceptive efficacy, with the LNG-IUD significantly higher than the TCu380A. Overall rates of IUD removals were higher among LNG-IUD users than TCu380A users. Removals for amenorrhea appeared culturally associated.ImplicationsThe 52-mg LNG-IUD and the TCu380A have very high contraceptive efficacy through 7 years. As an IUD, the unique side effects of the LNG-IUD are reduced bleeding, amenorrhea and symptoms compatible with hormonal contraceptives.     

B超监测下放置吉妮IN IUD的临床效果观察

目的:观察B超监测放置吉妮IN IUD宫内节育器的临床效果。方法:多中心随机分组在B超监测下放置吉妮IN IUD289例,TCu380A IUD 303例,分别于术后1、3、6、12、24、36个月行妇科及B超随访,以生命表方法统计结果并行显著性检验。结果:①术后疼痛TCu380A组明显高于吉妮IN组(P<0.05);术后6~36月,月经紊乱以TCu380A组为高(P<0.05)。②两组带器妊娠率均较低(吉妮IN组1.04/100妇女,TCu380A组1.32/100妇女,P>0.05);脱落率TCu380A组(6.60/100妇女)高于吉妮IN组(4.84/100妇女,P<0.05);吉妮IN组因出血和疼痛的终止率(2.77/100妇女)较TCu380A组(5.61/100妇女)低(P<0.05)。结论:吉妮INIUD具有与TCu380A IUD同样高的避孕效率,其在降低脱落率、因症取出率及副反应发生率方面优于TCu380A IUD。     

TCu380A、TCu220C和MLCu375宫内节育器系统评估

目的 :评价TCu380A、TCu2 2 0C、MLCu375三种宫内节育器的有效性、副反应和可接受性。方法 :见中国计划生育学杂志“我国常用口服避孕药和宫内节育器系统评估的方法概述”(2 0 0 5年 1期 17页 )。结果 :TCu380AIUD妊娠率及脱落率均低于MLCu375IUD ,副作用发生率高于MLCu375IUD ,续用率等同或高于MLCu375IUD ,临床综合效能与MLCu375IUD相近 ;TCu380AIUD妊娠率低于TCu2 2 0CIUD ,脱落率及安全性与TCu2 2 0CIUD相似 ,放置满 5年后续用率高于TCu2 2 0CIUD ;MLCu375IUD妊娠率略低于TCu2 2 0CIUD ,脱落率低于或等同于TCu2 2 0CIUD ,二者的副反应发生率相似 ,临床综合效能优于TCu2 2 0CIUD。建议 :可以继续使用TCu380AIUD、MLCu375IUD和TCu2 2 0CIUD ,并且加大TCu380AIUD和MLCu375IUD的使用份额。在总体上应优先考虑提供铜表面积≥ 30 0mm2 的宫内节育器     

The frameless copper IUD (GyneFix) and the TCu380A IUD: results of an 8-year multicenter randomized comparative trial

Background

Clinical performance of the frameless copper IUD (GyneFix), designed to reduce side effects related to the frame of conventional IUDs, and TCu380A was compared.

Study Design

Randomized Multicenter randomized comparative trial. Parous women requesting and eligible to use IUD were admitted in 21 centers in eight countries in 1989-1993 and followed-up for up to 8 years.

Results

Two thousand twenty-seven women were randomized to the frameless IUD and 2036 to TCu380A; 43 insertions of the frameless IUD failed and none for TCu380A. First-year expulsion rate of the frameless IUD was 5.3 (95% CI: 4.4-6.4) per 100 and 2.5 (95% CI: 1.9-3.3) for the TCu380A; second- through eighth-year expulsion rates were not different. First-year pregnancy rates for the frameless IUD and TCu380A were 1.3 (95% CI: 0.9-2.0) and 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.9), respectively; second- through eighth-year cumulative pregnancy rates were 1.2 (95% CI: 0.7-1.9) and 2.5 (95% CI: 1.8-3.4), respectively. The 8-year cumulative rates of ectopic pregnancy and IUD removal for pain were lower for the frameless IUD than for TCu380A. Removals for other reasons were not different.

Conclusions

The frameless IUD had more insertion failures, expulsions and pregnancies in the first year than TCu380A, but fewer pregnancies from the second through the eighth year, and by 8 years had fewer ectopic pregnancies and removals for pain.     

Comparative clinical experience with 3 IUDs,TCu 380 Ag,TCu 220C and mahua ring,in Tianjin,People's Republic of China

A comparative study of three IUD models assigned at random was carried out at 5 hospitals in Tianjin. The experience of 2762 acceptors was analyzed by life table techniques. At the end of one year the net cumulative first segment pregnancy rates of the TCu 380Ag and the TCu 220C were 0.1 and 0.3 per 100, respectively, significantly below the 3.0 per 100 pregnancy rate of the Mahua double ring. The explusion rate of the TCu 220C at the end of the first year, 1.6 per 100, was significantly lower than the expulsion rates of the other two devices. Removals for bleeding and pain cumulated to 3.3 per 100 at one year for users of the TCu 220C, significantly less than 6.8 per 100 for acceptors of the TCu 380Ag. Over all categories of termination, women who used the TCu 220C had the lowest one year termination rate, 5.5 per 100, while those who were assigned the Mahua device had the highest one year termination rate, 13.9 per 100.     

月经间期放置MYCu宫内节育器临床效果的比较性研究

目的:了解第三代爱母宫内节育器(MYCu IUD)在月经间期放置的临床效果、副作用及对生活质量的影响。方法:对要求放置IUD避孕的育龄妇女,在月经间期随机放置MYCu IUD(MYCu组,368例)与TCu 380AIUD(TCu380A组,369例),放置后1、3、6、12个月随访观察,记录使用情况。结果:置器后12个月MYCu组与TCu 380A组随访率分别为99.45%、100.00%;置器12个月累积续用率分别为每百妇女年94.02、91.87(P0.05);带器妊娠率分别为每百妇女年0.56、0.00(P=0.1703);脱落率分别为每百妇女年0.57、1.95(P=0.0947);无因IUD下移而停用者;因症终止率分别为每百妇女年3.01、6.03(P=0.0849)。置器后1、3、6个月副作用发生率MYCu组明显低于TCu380A组(P0.05)。两组对象相关生活质量均得到改善。结论:放置MYCu IUD较TCu 380AIUD疼痛和出血的副作用少,续用率、避孕效果与TCu 380AIUD相当,是一种临床效果好、副作用发生率较低的新型IUD。     

B超监测下吉妮和TCu 380 A宫内节育器592例临床分析

目的:①多中心观察B超监测下放置吉妮和TCu380A宫内节育器(IUD)并随访12月的临床效果;②探讨吉妮IUD近期脱落的原因。方法:随机分组并在B超监测下放置吉妮IUD289例,TCu380AIUD303例,术后1、3、6、12月定期妇科及B超随访,记录受试对象病史、术时和术后情况,用SPSS10.0软件包进行数据处理,以生命表方法统计结果并行显著性检验。结果:①术后疼痛症状发生情况TCu380AIUD组明显高于吉妮IUD组,差异有显著性(P<0.05);术后6、12月随访月经紊乱以TCu380AIUD组为高,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。②术后6月、12月生命表结果提示吉妮IUD组因出血和疼痛的终止率较TCu380AIUD组低,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。③子宫后位者易发生带器妊娠,脱落与月经量及置器医生放置IUD质量有关。结论:吉妮IUD的避孕效果与国际推荐使用的TCu380AIUD一致,置器后出血和疼痛副反应少于后者。引入B超监测IUD放置过程对杜绝放置的不安全隐患有重要作用,也是在监控和验证放置IUD质量、年轻医生的培训过程及基层推广应用中必须注意的问题。     

Arandomized multicentre trial of the Multiload 375 and TCu380A lUDs in parous women: three-year results

Two copper IUDs—the Multiload 375 and TCu380A—are being studied in a randomized multicentre study in parous women involving nineteen centres in nine countries. There have been 1,832 insertions of the Multiload 375 and 1,823 of the TCu380A. After three years of use, the Multiload 375 had a pregnancy rate that was significantly higher than the TCu380A (2.9 ± 0.4 vs. 1.6 ± 0.3 per 100 women). There were no differences at one, two and three years of use in the expulsion rates. It is concluded that the Multiload 375 shows no clinical advantages over the TCu380A and its extra cost should be an important consideration in the choice of the most appropriate IUD.     

Menstrual problems and side effects associated with long-term TCu 380A IUD use in perimenopausal women

The study assessing menstrual problems and side effects associated with long-term TCu 380A intrauterine device (IUD) use in perimenopausal women is reported. Fifty perimenopausal TCu 380A IUD acceptors who had IUD inserted after age 40 and used IUD at least 36 months were recruited. The mean age of acceptors at time of insertion was 44.2 years with an average parity of two live births. The mean body weight at insertion was 62.13 kg. Most of the bleeding patterns were regular cycles. Intermenstrual bleeding and pelvic pain were the side effects most often reported. No pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory disease, or IUD expulsions occurred during the follow-up period. This study suggests that the use of TCu 380A IUD in perimenopausal women is safe and effective.     

Long-term contraception with the levonorgestrel 20 mcg/day (LNg 20) and the copper T 380Ag intrauterine devices: a five-year randomized study

An intrauterine device, releasing approximately 20 micrograms/day of levonorgestrel (LNg 20), used by 1124 women, was studied in a randomized trial of five years duration in comparison with the Copper T, model TCu 380Agm in 1121 women. At five years, the gross cumulative pregnancy rate of 1.1 +/- 0.5 per 100 among users of the LNg 20 devices was not significantly different from the rate of 1.4 +/- 0.4 per 100 experienced by users of the Copper T 380Ag. The steroid-releasing IUD had significantly higher termination rates for expulsion and amenorrhea, a significantly lower termination rate for other menstrual problems and pain, and a lower continuation rate. The five-year continuation rate among women using the TCu 380Ag was 40.6 per 100 as compared with that of 33.0 per 100 among women randomized to the LNg 20 device (P less than .001). Terminations attributed to amenorrhea with the LNg device primarily account for differences in continuation. These two intrauterine devices are the most effective long-term, reversible IUDs yet reported in the literature. No other contraceptive methods have exhibited such low long-term pregnancy rates in randomized comparative trials.     

A three-year evaluation of TCu 380Ag and multiload Cu 375 intrauterine devices

A randomized, comparative, multicenter clinical trial of TCu 380Ag and Multiload Cu 375 intrauterine devices (IUDs) was conducted. Safety and acceptability were evaluated through three years following insertion in 884 patients. The two IUDs were similar with respect to all event rates. Thirty-six month life table pregnancy rates were 0.6 per 100 TCu 380Ag users and 1.8 per 100 Multiload Cu 375 users. Continuation rates were 67.4 and 61.4 per 100 users of the respective devices at three years after insertion.     

Two years of intrauterine contraception with levonorgestrel and with copper: a randomized comparison of the TCu 380Ag and levonorgestrel 20 mcg/day devices

IUDs releasing 20 mcg/day of levonorgestrel (LNg20) were in randomized trial together with the Copper T, model TCu 380Ag, in seven centers involving 2244 women. Two-year (25 months) gross cumulative pregnancy rates were 0.2 +/- 0.2 and 0.9 +/- 0.3 for the levonorgestrel and copper releasing devices, respectively (P greater than 0.05). There were no ectopic pregnancies in more than 1600 woman-years of use of each device. Removal rates for bleeding and/or pain or for medical reasons other than menstrual problems did not differ significantly between devices. Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea prompted 10.7 per hundred (gross rate, 8.4 net rate) women using the LNg 20 IUD to request removal in the two-year period, significantly above the 0.2 per hundred rate among women with the Copper IUD (P less than 0.001). At the end of two years an estimated 59.4 per 100 women were continuing use of the LNg 20 IUD, and 67.5 per 100 (P less than 0.001) with the TCu 380Ag. This difference is almost wholly ascribable to a marked reduction in bleeding episodes and days among women using the LNg 20 device with concomitant removal of device. Hemoglobin rose an average of 0.5 g/dl (P less than 0.001) for this group whereas women using the TCu 380Ag experienced a decline of 0.2 g/dl compared with baseline values (P less than 0.001).     

吉妮致美宫内节育器的临床应用效果观察

目的观察吉妮致美宫内节育器(IUD)的有效性、副反应和可接受性。方法对303例分别放置吉妮致美(观察组,145例)与TCu380A IUD(对照组,158例)的育龄妇女进行12个月随访。结果吉妮致美与TCu380A IUD比较:带器妊娠率分别为0.69%、1.27%,两者比较无统计学差异(p>0.05);脱落率分别为0.69%、3.80%,因症取出率分别为1.38%、4.43%,续用率分别为97.24%、90.51%,两者比较均有显著性差异(p<0.05)。结论吉妮致美避孕效果好,脱落率低,副反应少,续用率高,值得推广。     

Intrauterine contraception with copper and with levonorgestrel: a randomized study of the TCu 380Ag and levonorgestrel 20 mcg/day devices

First year results of a randomized study of 1509 users of the Copper T380Ag with a silver core or of an IUD releasing 20 mcg day of levonorgestrel are reported. The cumulative gross pregnancy rate for each device was 0.3 per 100 at one year, with more than 490 women having one year of use with each device. The levonorgestrel-releasing device was associated with significantly fewer bleeding days and significantly increased hemoglobin levels when compared with pre-admission values or the one year values observed among users of the TCu380Ag. Terminations attributable to amenorrhea were significantly more frequent among users of the levonorgestrel-releasing device. The TCu 380Ag was associated with increased frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea compared with pre-admission levels or with the steroid-releasing device. Hemoglobin levels were somewhat reduced among users of the TCu 380Ag device. Terminations attributable to pain were, however, not significantly different by device. Continuation rates at the end of the first year were not significantly different by device.