Intrauterine contraception in the year 2001: can intrauterine device use be revived with new improved contraceptive technology?

Abstract

Intrauterine contraception is the most cost-effective reversible method of contraception today. The method is becoming increasingly attractive to women due to the development of new technologies that not only enhance the performance of the intrauterine device (i.e. efficacy is now close to 100%), but also reduce the rate of expulsion (in the case of the ‘frameless’ GyneFix® intrauterine device (IUD)) and the number of removals for medical reasons. This is important, since the demand for intrauterine devices is likely to increase drastically in the coming years. The size of the intrauterine foreign body with the mini GyneFix has been reduced six-fold since the development of the Lippes Loop®, resulting in an almost total absence of incompatibility problems.

Furthermore, intrauterine contraception is entering a new phase with the development of intrauterine systems (IUSs) that deliver potent progestins. The Mirena® intrauterine system, which releases levonorgestrel, has been shown to drastically reduce menstrual bleeding. The FibroPlant™ levonorgestrel IUS has been clinically developed since 1997 and is a further development of the ‘frameless’ anchoring IUD concept. The majority of women presenting with excessive bleeding can be treated by insertion of the IUS, resulting in greatly reduced menstrual blood loss. This is a very important result from both a health and a quality-of-life point of view.

The fact that the IUS is also a potent contraceptive is extremely interesting. We believe, therefore, that these new technologies will lead to a re-appraisal of the IUD and could revive the use of intrauterine contraception in all parts of the world, including those regions where IUD use is presently very low.

KEY WORDS:

• Intrauterine device
• Three generations
• ‘Frameless’ intrauterine device
• Levonorgestrel intrauterine system