[Intrauterine devices]

Medicated IUDs such as copper IUDs and progesterone-releasing IUDs represent a new development in this form of contraception. All IUDs act by causing an inflammatory reaction at the endometrial level. Techniques of insertion vary from one model to the other; insertion always requires an experienced practitioner, and postabortion or midmenstruation insertions are to be preferred. Pregnancy with IUD in situ is a rare occurrence; the IUD must then be immediately removed. Ectopic pregnancies are about 5-10% of all pregnancies with the device in situ. IUD complications are uterine perforation, mostly done at time of insertion, and pelvic infection which, if untreated, can cause infertility; this is the reason why an IUD is never recommended to a nullipara. Pain and bleeding are the most common side effects. When the strings of the device are not visible, translocation of the device inside the uterine cavity must be suspected. The choice of the wrong type of IUD or a bad insertion can cause spontaneous expulsion of the device. IUD wearers must be regularly seen by a doctor; there is no correlation between IUD use and cervical or endometrial carcinoma.