Abstract

PIP: The aim of the present study is to ddemonstrate any possible change in the serum prolactin level of lactating mothers using the Progestasert system, compared with women fitted with a Copper T device and lactating mothers not using any form of contraception. The study was carried out on a total of 46 females (28 to 35 years of age and 1 to 6 parity), classified into 2 major groups. The 1st included 26 menstruating and lactating women, delivered 6 to 8 months and with restored menstruation for at least 3 successive cycles prior to the study. These women were classified into the following subgroups: control group of 11 normally menstruating mothers not using any type of contraception; Cu T-200 users. The 2nd group included amenorrheic and lactating mothers delivered 2 months prior to the study. These women were classified as follows: Progestasert users and Cu T-200 users. For all users, both devices were inserted immediately postpartum. No significant differences in the premenstrual and menstrual mean + or - SE prolactin values were noted in comparison with a matched group not using any form of contraception. A uniform rise in prolactin levels was observed with the onset of menses in the 3 categories studied, but this was only significant in the Progestasert group. Serum prolactin levels in lactating and amenorrheic mothers, 2 months after delivery, did not reveal significant changes when Cu T-200 and Progestasert IUD users were compared. The amount and biochemical composition of milk were not affected in lactating mothers using inert IUDs, and evidence indicates that progestational contraceptive compounds have no adverse effects on milk yield and composition.