Contraception
Volume 79, Issue 5 , Pages 356-362, May 2009

Side effects from the copper IUD: do they decrease over time?☆☆☆

Family Health International, PO Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA

Received 21 October 2008; received in revised form 7 November 2008; accepted 18 November 2008. published online 29 January 2009.

Abstract 

Background

The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can cause side effects in some women; increased uterine bleeding and pain may cause early removal. Because of simplified reporting from previous research, little is known about how side effects might change over time.

Study Design

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study of 1947 first-time copper IUD users. Over a 1-year period, we collected detailed information on side effects and looked for trends using generalized mixed-effects regression modeling.

Results

During menses, most bleeding and pain side effects were found to decrease over time (p<.05). During intermenstrual intervals, overall spotting and pain complaints remained unchanged, but the number of days with these problems increased (p<.05). Serious side effects that prompted either a clinic visit or IUD removal had varied patterns over time, depending on the type of problem.

Conclusion

Side effects from the copper IUD can be troubling for both user and clinician. Some problems improve over time, while others do not. This information may be helpful in counseling women who are considering IUD use and current users who are contemplating IUD removal due to side effects.

Keywords: Copper IUD, Intrauterine device, Side effects, Longitudinal analysis

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☆ This secondary analysis was supported by an unrestricted research grant from Duramed Research, Inc. The original study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

☆☆ The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of Family Health International or the funding entity.

PII: S0010-7824(08)00540-4

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2008.11.012

Contraception
Volume 79, Issue 5 , Pages 356-362, May 2009

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