Effects of various IUDs on the composition of cervical mucus

Abstract

The influence of three different intrauterine devices on the composition of cervical mucus was studied. The amount of mucin, albumin and immunoglobulin G was estimated. After the insertion of an inert IUD, a decrease in mucin was observed. During copper-IUD use the content of mucin, albumin and IgG was increased in cervical mucus, while weight was not affected. In the levonorgestrel-IUD users, ovulation was inhibited in 2 out of 8 women. Mucus weight was increased. The amounts of mucin, albumin and IgG were not changed. In an in vitro experiment the effect of copper-IUDs on autooxidation of cholesterol was studied. There was an extensive conversion of cholesterol but addition of albumin quenched the oxidation of cholesterol. It is suggested that the increased secretion of albumin induced by copper-IUD users may offer protection against copper-induced cell damage.

PIP: Earlier studies have suggested that the effects on the composition of cervical mucus varies by IUD type. To further investigate this finding, the amount of mucin, albumin, and immunoglobulin (IG) G was measured in 27 healthy parous women who received either an inert, copper-bearing, or levonorgestrel-releasing Nova-T IUD. To enable each women to serve as her own control, cervical mucus parameters were measured before IUD insertion as well as in the 3 cycles following insertion. There were no significant differences in estradiol levels before or after treatment or among women in the 3 study groups. Luteal phase progesterone levels were significantly lower in users of a levonorgestrel-releasing device, however, than in women with a copper-bearing IUD. During the pretreatment month, there were no differences between the 3 groups of women in cervical mucus content changes. The inert IUD caused a significant decrease in mean mucin content and a significant increase in albumin, but had no effect on IgG levels or the wet weight of the mucus. The copper-containing IUD produced significant increases in mucin, albumin, and IgG, but did not affect wet weight of cervical secretions. Finally, the levonorgestrel-releasing device had no effect on the mucin, albumin, and IgG contents, but did induce a significant decrease in wet weight. There was no correlation between mean serum levels of levonorgestrel and the weight of cervical mucus.