Pre-malignant and malignant cervical pathologies among inert and copper-bearing intrauterine contraceptive device users: A 10-year follow-up study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of pre-malignant and malignant cervical conditions during a period of 10 years of use of inert (Szontagh) and copper-bearing IUCDs.

Methods Candidates were parous women requesting intrauterine contraception regardless of the previous IUCD use and having no contraindications. Follow-ups were scheduled at 1, 6, and 12 months after insertion, and annually thereafter. Colposcopy and cytological evaluation were performed at insertion and at yearly follow-ups. For comparison of the two groups and the different follow-up periods (at the end of each ordinal year), net and gross cumulative lifetable rates were calculated. Statistical differences were measured by chi-squared test, and were regarded as significant at P ≤ 0.05.

Results The total number of insertions was 3536 and 13,518 for inert and copper devices, respectively, and the maximum cumulative woman months of use (CWMU) at 10 years for the two groups were 163,567 and 492,836, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the life table rates of terminations for suspected cervical pre-malignant and malignant conditions between the groups at the end of each ordinal year.

Conclusion The copper-bearing intrauterine contraceptive devices are not associated with a significantly higher risk of cervical cancer compared to the inert IUCDs.

Key words:

• IUCD
• Non-medicated
• Inert, Copper-bearing
• Cervical carcinoma