The morphometric study of endometrial spiral arterioles before and after insertion of gamma CuI and TCu 220C intrauterine devices

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphologic changes of endometrial spiral arterioles and its relationship with bleeding pattern after insertion of gamma-shape copper indomethacin-medicated (gamma CuI) and T-shape copper (TCu 220C) intrauterine devices (IUD). METHODS: Endometrium specimens of late secretory phase were obtained from fertile age women: 10 from preinsertion, 10 obtained after insertion of TCu 220C IUD, and 9 obtained after insertion of gamma CuI IUD. Samples were sectioned serially and morphometric analysis of endometrial spiral arterioles was performed under light microscope. RESULTS: The average cross section area (Area), maximum diameter (Dmax) and minimum diameter (Dmin) of spiral arterioles in both spongeous and dense layers of endometrium increased significantly after insertion of TCu 220C IUD. After insertion of gamma CuI IUD, the Area and Dmax increased in dense layer only, though less obviously than that occurred in TCu 220C group. However, the Dmin increased more obviously in both spongeous and dense layers than after insertion of TCu 220C IUD, implying that the shape of spiral arterioles was more regular in gamma CuI group. CONCLUSION: gamma CuI IUD has less effects on the morphological changes of endometrial spiral arterioles, and this may relate to its indomethacin-contained which causes less bleeding.