Use of copper intrauterine devices and the risk of tubal infertility among nulligravid women. (Sex Research Update)

• Published in: The Canadian journal of human sexuality Vol. 9; no. 4; p. 259
• Main Author: McKay, Alexander
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Toronto SIECCAN, The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada 22.12.2000; Sex Information and Education Council of Canada
• Subjects: Birth control; Contraception; Control Groups; Data Analysis; Fertility; Health aspects; Infertility; Intrauterine contraceptives; Pelvic inflammatory disease; Physiological aspects; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Women; North America
• ISSN: 1188-4517

It has long been believed that intrauterine devices (IUDs) cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequently lead to tubal infertility. Studies that indicated an association between IUDs and PID lead to the withdrawal of many IUDs from the North American market. In particular, one IUD, the Dalkon Shield, was shown to be strongly associated with PID. Less than 5% of women of reproductive age in Canada and the United States use IUDs but they are commonly used in Asia and Europe. As Hubacher et al. point out in the introduction of their research report, studies assessing the association between IUDs and PID have been controversial and produced inconsistent findings. The primary objective of the Hubacher et al. study was to assess the association between the previous use of a copper IUD and tubal occlusion.