Effect of different types of intrauterine devices on intrauterine activity

Objective-To compare the effects of various IUDs on intrauterine activity. Patients and Methods-57 women volunteers aged 18 to 25 in the outpatient cl inic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cerrahpasa Medical F aculty of Istanbul University were included in the study. All were in good health and menstruating normally. The subjects were introduced to different types of IUDs on the fifth to eighth days of their menstrual cycle. Intrau terine activities with and without naproxen were recorded, for at least 20 minutes-each time, with a micro-tip transducer before insertion, lust after insertion, and 1 month later. Results-Intrauterine activity increased lust after insertion of both IUDs and disappeared 1 month later in copper-T wea ring women, but persisted in multiload wearers. Naproxen seemed to be usefu l in preventing intrauterine activity caused by the IUD. Conclusions-The IU D itself causes an increase in intrauterine activity which is preventable b y naproxen, suggesting the possible role of prostaglandins. Persistence of intrauterine activity depends upon the type of device. Optimal designing of IUDs is required to decrease side effects and make them more acceptable.