Abstract

PIP: In 115 women who chose the IUD, hemoglobin level (Hb), hematocrit (HTC), and iron levels were tested before IUD insertion (Copper IUD in 77 cases, inert IUD in 38). The 1st group (treated) of 52 women was administered prophylactic prostaglandin (PG) synthetase inhibitors (P6SI) indomethacin, flufenamic acid, or naproxen. The 2nd (untreated) group of 63 women was given no medication after IUD insertion. 4 months later with the device in utero, the 1st group had a significant rise in Hb and iron level from 12.9% to 13.3% and from 115.5 lamda% to 124.0 lamda% respectively. HTC was unchanged. In the untreated group, Hb level fell from 12.8 to 11.6g%, HTC from 37.5 to 33.9%, and iron from 115.0 to 84.4 lamda%. None of the treated women had side effects from the drug or excessive bleeding and the device did not have to be removed. For these reasons, administration of P6SI to all women after IUD insertion for the 1st year to avoid excessive pain, bleeding, and iron deficiency is recommended.