Long‐term Use Effectiveness of the CU‐7‐200 IUD

Abstract

Copper‐containing IUDs have been demonstrated to be as good, if not better, than other presently used inert devices. There is, however, no consensus on the duration of contraceptive effectiveness of copper‐containing IUDs. The long‐term contraceptive effectiveness of one copper‐containing IUD, the CU‐7‐200 Gravigard®, is evaluated in this report on 514 patients. IUDs were inserted in the intermenstrual period and patients were followed up for as long as 63 months. The probability of pregnancy, expulsion, or removal for medical reasons did not increase with increasing duration of IUD use, but instead appeared to slightly decrease with increasing duration of IUD use. The results of this study indicate that the CU‐7‐200 continues to be an effective contraceptive for at least five years after insertion.

An Overview of IUD Research and Implications for the Future

“…The addition of copper or progesterone to the "T" vector significantly lowers the pregnancy rate. The 1-year pregnancy rate for the plain "T" is 18.2 per 100 women; for the Cu-T-200, it is 0.9-3.0 per 100 women; and for the Progestasert ® (a "T" device which releases progesterone at a rate of about 65 mcg/24 hours), it is 1.9-2.5 per 100 women (33,35).…”

The Use of Tranexamic Acid (AMCA) in lUDs as an Anti‐bleeding Agent

“…Copper (13) and progesterone (8) have been added to small IUDs to improve their efficacy. It appears, however, that even with the addition of these adjuncts small carrier devices cannot match the efficacy of larger, standard inert devices for long-term use (1,12). The lack of success with modifications in shape and size have led investigators to consider both systemic and local administration of antifibrinolytic drugs for treatment of menorrhagia related to IUD use.…”