Experience with GyneFIX insertions in Spain: favorable acceptance of the intrauterine contraceptive implant with some limitations

Abstract

This study evaluates the incidents associated with GyneFIX insertion and first-year expulsion and continuity rates within the usual intrauterine contraceptive practice of a working group of Spanish professionals (GESEG), formed specifically with this aim. It is a prospective, multicenter, observational study of GyneFIX insertion in 1684 women. Data were prospectively collected on a structured form and processed centrally. Interest was focused on difficulties encountered during the insertion procedure and symptoms experienced during insertion. All terms were defined by consensus. Among the total, 18.6% of the women were nulliparous. GyneFIX insertion was rated easy in 92%, with more difficulty in nulliparous women, who showed significantly more symptoms during insertion of the device. First-year expulsion and continuity rates were 5.6 and 88 per 100 women, respectively. The pregnancy rate was 0.3 per 100 women/years. The GyneFIX system is an interesting alternative to standard IUDs for intrauterine contraception with copper, particularly in women who have experienced expulsion of other types of IUDs. Experienced professionals in IUD insertion quickly acquire familiarity with the GyneFIX insertion system, but proper implantation does not completely eliminate the risk of expulsion. Thus, the insertion system should be further modified to achieve a simpler, safer technique.