Abstract
Background
The use of intrauterine devices as a contraceptive method has been steadily growing
in developing countries. Anemia in reproductive-age women is a growing concern in
those settings.
Study Design
A systematic review of studies with measured hemoglobin and serum ferritin at baseline
and after 1 year of use of copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) or a levonorgestrel-releasing
intrauterine system (LNG IUS) was performed.
Results
Fourteen studies involving copper IUDs in nonanemic women and 4 studies in anemic
women and 6 involving the LNG IUS met the criteria for the systematic review. Meta-analyses
for hemoglobin changes showed significant decreases for users of copper IUDs and an
increase for the LNG IUS, but with limited data. In general, ferritin levels followed
the same pattern.
Conclusion
Decreases in hemoglobin mean values in copper IUD users were not sufficient to induce
anemia in previously nonanemic women. Women who are borderline anemic would likely
benefit from using the LNG IUS.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 05, 2012
Accepted:
September 21,
2012
Received in revised form:
September 3,
2012
Received:
August 23,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
