Intrauterine contraception: from silver ring to intrauterine contraceptive implant

Gräfenberg introduced his silver ring in 1928 and by his classic paper, published in 1931, provided intrauterine contraception with a scientific basis. For largely non-medical reasons, the Gräfenberg ring vanished from the scene a few years later, and it took almost 30 years before the method was rehabilitated as a result of a change in mental attitude toward birth control, the awareness of world population explosion, and the introduction of improved intrauterine devices (IUDs). The United States became the epicenter of IUD research in the 1960s but, due to adverse publicity and the threat of litigation, the pendulum swung and European investigators took over the job of improving the IUD. Proceeding from Dr Gräfenberg’s classic paper, the major steps in the evolution of the intrauterine devices are retraced with focus on the scientists who were innovative in the field.     

Serum levels and ApaI polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor 2 on intrauterine growth restriction infants

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the IGF2 and IGF2R plasmatic level and IGF2-ApaI polymorphism on infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Materials and methods: A transversal study was conducted at the Neonatology Ward of the Gynecology Clinic I, Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca on neonates with IUGR who were discharged during June 2014 and June 2015. The serum levels of IGF2 and IGF2R were obtained by using ELISA method and IGF2-ApaI polymorphism by taking PCR-RFLP analysis.

Results: Forty infants with IUGR and 21 infants of appropriate gestational age (AGA) were evaluated. The serum levels of IGF2 proved higher on the A/G genotype when the IUGR group was compared with AGA (p value?=?.048). The G allele proved significantly more frequent in both the IUGR and the AGA group compared with the A allele (p?p value?>?.3). The A/G genotype proved significantly more frequent on term infants compared with preterm infants (p value?=?.039).

Conclusions: The infant with IUGR has a higher serum level of IGF2 if has A/G IGF2-ApaI genotype and higher values of IGF2R if it has the A/A genotype.     

The evaluation of 318 intrauterine pregnancy cases with an intrauterine device

Objective?To determine the factors affecting the pregnancies with intrauterine devices.

Design and Methods?The intrauterine device (IUD) locations in pregnancies with IUDs referring to SSK Aegean Maternity Hospital were determined by ultrasonography (USG) in a 6 year period. Three hundred and eighteen pregnancy cases (pregnancy group) were observed together with intrauterine devices. All intervally applied IUDs were CeT380A. All demographic characteristics of the cases together with determination of IUD localizations were recorded, and these cases were compared with 300 cases (control group) using CuT380A and under routine follow-up in our clinic.

Results?Ultrasonographic examination revealed IUD dislocation in 64% of 318 cases, whereas only 11% of the control group had dislocated IUDs. The difference between two groups was statistically significant. Especially in cases where the pregnancy group was less than 20 years old, IUD dislocations were recorded in 87.5%. The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation in the distribution of IUD pregnancies according to years. When the demographic characteristics of two groups were compared, no statistically significant correlation was observed between the demographic characteristics and pregnancies with IUDs. There were 89 cases (27.9%) who decided on the continuation of IUD pregnancies. Unfortunately, 40% of these cases resulted in abortion. Only in 27% of 56 cases after IUD extraction because of IUD dislocation was miscarriage recorded. Meanwhile, 77% of the 26 cases with IUD left in the uterine cavity presented with miscarriage. Of the total of 36 miscarriages, 33% were ≤6 weeks pregnancy, and 27% were over 10 weeks.

Conclusion?IUD dislocation is a significant factor affecting IUD pregnancies. The fact that dislocation is most common in the first year reveals the necessity for more frequent controls in this period.     

Uterine perforation by the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device: case report

The authors demonstrate a case report of the uterine perforation by the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in a 33-year-old asymptomatic woman after an 18-month period after insertion. The device was not localized in utero during routine control with transvaginal sonography. After abdominal radiography examination the device was removed by laparoscopy. The possibilities of transuterine migration of IUD are discussed.     

Colon penetration by a copper intrauterine device: a case report with literature review

Aim  The present case report describes colon injury subsequent to uterine penetration which is associated with the use of an intrauterine device (IUD). Case  A 29-year-old multiparous woman, who presented with vague abdominal pain, had a TCu 380A inserted at her postpartum third month visit. The T-shaped segment of the IUD was found to be lodged within the lumen of a colon segment which was 60 cm far from the ileocecal valve. The vertical copper-bearing limb of the IUD extruded from the colon wall beyond the mesenteric edge and partially penetrated the fundal wall. After the affected colon segment was resected, an end-to-end anastomosis was made. Recovery period was uneventful. Discussion  The incidence of uterine penetration is affected by the IUD type, the timing of insertion related to pregnancy termination, the position of uterus, insertion technique, the experience of the operator and the follow-up period. The location of missing IUDs can be determined by ultrasonography, X-ray or computed tomography imaging.     

The “forgotten” intrauterine device: A cause of infertility

Summary We present a case of infertility due to a “forgotten” IUD. Users of intrauterine devices are reported to have an increased risk of frank or subclinical genital infections which later may be the cause of infertility [1, 2]. Other mechanisms of causing infertility are possible. During the last two years we have seen three infertile patients with an IUD in situ. Two had ovulation, and one got pregnant immediately after the IUD was removed.     

人工流产及放置节育器术后子宫腔内微生物的消长

目的探讨人工流产及放置宫内节育器（ＩＵＤ）术后宫内解脲支原体（ＵＵ）、人型支原体（Ｍｈ）、Ｌ型菌（Ｌ型）、厌氧菌（Ａｎａ）和衣原体（ＣＴ）的消长规律。方法设人工流产、单纯放置ＩＵＤ、放置ＩＵＤ后用青霉素（放置ＩＵＤ＋青霉素）和放置ＩＵＤ后用洁霉素（放置ＩＵＤ＋洁霉素）４组,于术前及术后４个月经周期的经后１周内取宫内吸取物行ＵＵ、Ｍｈ、Ｌ型、Ａｎａ和ＣＴ５种微生物分离鉴定,只要能鉴别出１种,即判定为带菌者。结果术前４组带菌率无差异,术后至第１周期带菌率均最高,以后均为下降趋势,仅单纯放置ＩＵＤ组随周期递增呈线性下降（Ｐ＜０．００１）。人工流产组术后至第１周期与术前比较,差异无显著性（Ｐ＝０．１０５）。同一周期放置ＩＵＤ的３组间无差异,但术后各周期带菌率与术前相比,差异均有显著性（Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论ＩＵＤ存在是宫腔手术后持续带菌的主要因素,机体自然防御机制可清除宫内带菌。放ＩＵＤ后短期内小剂量应用青霉素或洁霉素不足以减少宫内带菌     

The clinical use of intrauterine pressure catheters

We question the need for an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) to monitor uterine contractions during the induction or augmentation of labor with oxytocin, or to verify adequate uterine contractions to support the diagnosis of arrest of labor. There are appropriately conducted clinical trials demonstrating that uterine contraction frequency in spontaneous, induced and augmented labors obtained with the use of external tocography is sufficient for the clinical management of labor. The value of an IUPC is further diluted by the inherent variability of pressure recordings with its use and the potential of the infrequent risks associated with insertion. Particularly pertinent is the fact that the use of an IUPC for this indication has never been proved to have a positive effect on maternal or neonatal outcome.     

Pregnancy during the use of levonorgestrel intrauterine system

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to evaluate the pregnancy rate with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) and to analyze the outcome of pregnancies with the LNG IUS in situ in regular use. STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaires from 17,360 users of the LNG IUS were analyzed. With the consent of women reporting pregnancy during the use of the LNG IUS, related hospital records were reviewed concerning the pregnancies. RESULTS: Originally 132 pregnancies were reported. Medical records were reviewed from 108 of these women. In 64 pregnancies, conception occurred with the LNG IUS in situ. Thirty-three pregnancies were ectopic. The 5-year cumulative pregnancy rate per 100 users was 0.5 and the 5-year Pearl rate was 0.11. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy with the LNG IUS in situ is rare. Ectopic pregnancies constitute 53% of all pregnancies. Typical pregnancy symptoms occur during pregnancies with the LNG IUS. The importance to counsel about the risk of pregnancy before insertion is emphasized.     

Beyond the pill: new data and options in hormonal and intrauterine contraception

With the goal of helping clinicians facilitate contraceptive success for their patients, this Clinical Opinion provides an update regarding older hormonal and intrauterine contraceptives and details newer methods that include the progestin-releasing intrauterine system, the contraceptive patch and ring, and extended and emergency oral contraception. Last, I will look over the horizon and briefly describe potential future methods that include the single rod progestin-releasing implant, folic acid-supplemented oral contraceptives, and hormonal contraception for men.     

Migration of an intrauterine device into the bladder: a rare case

Introduction  Intrauterine device (IUD) application has been used for over 30 years and is a widely accepted contraception method among women because of its low-complication rates. The use of intrauterine devices may cause complications but migration of the IUD into an adjacent organ is rarely encountered. Case  In the present report, we present a 26-year-old patient to whom IUD had been applied 2 years ago and whose examination performed due to pain and urinary complaints revealed migration of the uterine device into the bladder. Conclusion  Patients with pelvic pain and chronic irritative urinary symptoms whose vaginal examination and ultrasonography reveal a dislocated IUD should be carefully examined for the migration of the IUD into the bladder. In order to avoid this rare complication, patient should be evaluated physically and ultrasonographically for uterine position, thinness of the uterine wall and inflammatory disease before the insertion. The patient should be evaluated with sonography immediately after insertion and periodically.     

GyneFix IN与TCu 380A宫内节育器的随机比较性临床研究

目的观察新型ＧｙｎｅＦｉｘＩＮ宫内节育器（ＩＵＤ）的临床性能。方法采用随机对比性多中心临床研究方法,对６０７例健康经产妇女由经过培训的专人以随机方法于月经间期放置ＧｙｎｅＦｉｘＩＮＩＵＤ３２０例（ＧｙｎｅＦｉｘＩＮ组）及ＴＣｕ３８０ＡＩＵＤ３０５例（ＴＣｕ３８０Ａ组）,于放器后１、３、６和１２个月随访,以生命表法统计两种ＩＵＤ的终止情况。结果ＧｙｎｅＦｉＸＩＮ组使用１年无妊娠发生,脱落和因症取出率分别为每百妇女２６７和１０２,与ＩＵＤ使用有关的终止率为每百妇女３６６,明显低于ＴＣｕ３８０Ａ组的每百妇女７８８（Ｐ＜００５）。ＧｙｎｅＦｉｘＩＮ组疼痛的主诉率也低于ＴＣｕ３８０Ａ组。结论此种无支架、铜表面积大并有固定系统的ＩＵＤ,由经过培训的人员放置,具有低脱落率和改善疼痛副反应的特点,有推广前景。     

A comparison of intrauterine balloon,intrauterine contraceptive device and hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of adhesion reformation following hysteroscopic surgery for Asherman syndrome: a cohort study

Objective

To compare the efficacy of intrauterine balloon, intrauterine contraceptive device and hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of the adhesion reformation after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for Asherman's syndrome.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study of 107 women with Asherman's syndrome who were treated with hysteroscopic division of intrauterine adhesions. After hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, 20 patients had intrauterine balloon inserted, 28 patients had intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) fitted, 18 patients had hyaluronic acid gel instilled into the uterine cavity, and 41 control subjects did not have any of the three additional treatment measures. A second-look hysteroscopy was performed in all cases, and the effect of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was scored by the American Fertility Society classification system.

Results

Both the intrauterine balloon group and the IUD group achieved significantly (P < 0.001) greater reduction in the adhesion score than that of the hyaluronic acid gel group and control group. The efficacy of the balloon was greater than that of the IUD (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in results between the hyaluronic acid gel group and the control groups.

Conclusion

The insertion of an intrauterine balloon or intrauterine device is more effective than the use of hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intra-uterine adhesion reformation.     

Transverse limb reduction and intrauterine device: Case report and review of the literature

Background Pregnancies with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are associated with increased maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. No proven teratogenetic effects have been attributed to IUDs.

Case A 29-year-old-woman conceived with an IUD in place. The device was removed at 7 weeks' gestation. Her level 2 sonogram at 25 weeks' gestation revealed transverse limb reduction of the foetal right forearm. She gave birth at term to a female infant with reduction of the right forearm. The rest of the physical examination, imaging and laboratory tests, including serology and karyotype were normal.

Conclusion We present a rare case of transverse limb reduction defect associated with the presence of an IUD at the time of conception. The device had been removed in the first trimester of the pregnancy. Data from the literature are reviewed.     

Transuterine migration as a complication of intrauterine contraceptive devices: six case reports

Objectives We retrospectively analyzed six cases between 1986 and 2002 that had been operated within our unit with the diagnosis of migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Although an IUD is an effective contraceptive method, the migration of one is a rare but serious complication. The aim of this report is to emphasize the management and therapy of this complication. Cases Out of six patients, three patients with occurring pregnancy, two with pelvic pain and one with a missing IUD incidentally diagnosed during a routine follow-up gynecological examination, were admitted to our clinic. The diagnosis of perforation and transuterine migration of the IUD was confirmed with a plain abdominal X-ray with a hysterometer placed in the uterus, hysterosalpingography and ultrasound. One patient was diagnosed as having a perforated rectosigmoid bowel intraoperatively and one presented with perforation of the bladder. In the remaining four cases, the IUD only migrated into the abdominal cavity without any organ perforations. One IUD was extracted laparoscopically, one was removed through the vagina by colpotomy and, in the other four cases, a laparotomy had to be performed. Patients were discharged without any complications. Conclusion The most serious potential complication of IUD use is uterine perforation and this can cause severe morbidity. When an IUD is located in the abdominal cavity, it should be carefully managed and removed, even in an asymptomatic patient.     

Factors influencing discontinuation of intrauterine contraceptive devices: an assessment in the Indian context

Sociocultural and behavioral factors are associated with decision to use and the selection of a contraceptive method, continuation of use and reasons for discontinuation of a contraceptive. This paper tries to distinctly outline the determinants of discontinuation of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), especially in the Indian context. Data on medical reasons for discontinuation are available through clinical trials. However, sociodemographic studies provide one with a wider spectrum to analyze the factors associated with the discontinuation of IUCDs. Information on service providers can be used to improve the quality of family planning services in the country. In India, a thorough review of birth spacing methods, especially the IUCD, is needed since the surveys show a high rate of discontinuation. The emphasis in this paper is upon compilation of reasons for discontinuation of the IUCD and research thereof. The review of the literature is directed towards giving a new direction to assessment of family planning programs, especially in India where population control is largely dependent upon permanent methods. Delineation of factors is important to improve the family planning program.     

493例宫腔粘连患者的临床资料分析

目的:探讨宫腔粘连(IUA)患者粘连程度的高危影响因素。方法:回顾2012年1月至2014年6月北京大学第三医院生殖医学中心经宫腔镜确诊的493例IUA患者的临床资料,根据粘连程度分组,分析影响粘连程度的相关因素。结果:不同粘连程度IUA患者的平均年龄、月经周期和中孕妊娠丢失情况比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);不同粘连程度IUA患者的月经量、原发不孕几率、结核病史和内膜炎情况均存在显著差异(P0.05);随着粘连程度的增加,经量减少、原发不孕及结核病史的患者所占的比例逐渐增加,而合并内膜炎患者的比例呈下降趋势。IUA粘连程度与妊娠相关的宫腔操作有关(P0.05),随着宫腔操作次数的增加,Ⅲ~Ⅴ度IUA患者明显增加。41.48%的IUA患者的子宫内膜超声结果正常,不同粘连程度患者的超声表现存在显著差异(P0.001),但随着粘连程度的加重,超声确诊粘连的比例无上升趋势。444例Ⅰ~Ⅲ度IUA患者中,内膜受损部位以中部居多,占45.05%;按粘连程度分组后,各组粘连部位存在统计学差异(P0.001),宫腔右侧粘连的比例明显高于左侧。结论:积极治疗感染性疾病,尽量减少宫腔创伤性操作,有助于避免IUA的发生;二维超声诊断IUA的敏感性低,宫腔镜检查是诊断IUA的金标准。     

放置IUD后宫腔微环境的研究

目的 :研究长期放置IUD子宫局部免疫功能的变化。方法 :以放置 5～ 2 0年惰性和含铜宫内节育器 (IUD)共 6 2例为研究组 ,以正常妇女 2 7例为对照组 ,以肿瘤坏死因子 α(TNF α)、白细胞介素 2 (IL 2 )、分泌型IgA(SIgA)和T淋巴细胞为指标。结果 :宫腔冲洗液TNF α浓度在惰性IUD组、含铜IUD组与对照组之间均未见明显差异。含铜IUD组宫腔冲洗液IL 2浓度显著低于对照组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,SIgA浓度亦显著低于对照组 (P <0 0 5 )。含铜IUD组子宫内膜组织抑制或杀伤T淋巴细胞 (CD+8淋巴细胞 )明显多于惰性IUD组和对照组 ;而辅助性T淋巴细胞 (CD4+ 淋巴细胞 )少于对照组 ,与惰性IUD组差异无显著性。结论 :长期放置IUD对子宫局部免疫功能有不同程度的影响