Quantitative menstrual and intermenstrual blood loss in women using Lippes Loop and Copper T intrauterine devices.

PIP: 127 women were studied during 3 consecutive menstrual cycles preceding, and 6 non-consecutive menstrual cycles during the 1st year following insertion of either Lippes Loop C or Copper T. Both (MBL) menstrual blood loss and (IMBL) intermenstrual blood loss were quantified during these cycles. When postinsertion MBL was averaged and compared to mean preinsertion MBL, the Lippes Loop and Copper T devices increased the volume of menstrual bleeding by 99 and 42% respectively. In spite of this, mean hemoglobin levels did not change significantly during the period of study. Quantifiable MBL was experienced primarily during the 1st cycle postinsertion. The incidence was 90% in women inserted with the Lippes Loop C and 48% in those women inserted with the Copper T during this cycle. The volume of IMBL was extremely variable among the women studied (0.7 - 398 ml). In several cases the volume nearly equalled or even exceeded the MBL of the 1st cycle. Incidence of IMBL fell to 6.5% and 5.0% in the 2nd postinsertion cycle for women with loops and copper devices, respectively. Thereafter the incidence was neglibible. This marked decrease in incidence was not due to closures for bleeding. Less than 10% of the total blood loss experienced during the 1st year postinsertion was the result of IMBL and following the 1st postinsertion cycle, it contributed less than 2% of the total blood loss. The conclusion is that IMBL, while contributory to IUD discontinuation rates, does not contribute significantly to total blood loss and thus to iron loss following IUD insertion.^ieng