[Infection hazards and complications following the use of IUDs]. / Infektionsrisiko und Komplikationen nach IUD-Applikation.

ABSTRACT

PIP: Incidence of complications in 552 IUD patients (12,290 cycles) is reported. The IUDs used were the Dana cor and Dana superlux. Complications were seen in 211 women: expulsion (58 patients), pregnancy with IUD in place (22), irregular bleeding or endometritis (116), adnexa involvement (32). IUDs were removed from 86 patients. Endometrial material obtained by dilation and curettage after IUD removal showed changes consistent with the development of endometritis. The intensity of the endometrial reaction (as well as contraceptive effectiveness) depends on the relation of the IUD's shape and dimensions to those of the uterine cavity. In the authors' view, IUDs are not the contraceptive of choice unless hormonal contraception is contraindicated.