The effect of 1-year use of the CuT 380A and oral contraceptive pills on hemoglobin and ferritin levels

This is a longitudinal study of the effect of 1 year of use of Cu-T 380A intrauterine device (IUD) and oral hormonal contraceptives (OC) on the hemoglobin (Hb) content, serum ferritin, and percent iron saturation (serum iron/total iron binding capacity) of women with initial Hb level of 9-12 g/dL. It was carried out by the Egyptian Fertility Care Society in collaboration with seven University and Ministry of Health Teaching Hospitals. Women were followed-up at fixed intervals when laboratory tests conducted at admission were repeated. The use of Cu-T380A IUD produced a statistically significant drop in the Hb content and percent iron saturation levels after 12 months of use, as compared to the use of OC for the same period. The drop was greater with longer IUD use, initial high Hb levels, and among urban and semiurban residents. It is recommended that iron supplementation be part of the IUD services provided in family planning units in view of the high prevalence of anemia among women in the childbearing age in Egypt.