Long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of the intrauterine Copper T-380A contraceptive device

Abstract

The intrauterine device (IUD), primarily in the form of the copper IUD, is used by more than 150 million women around the world, making it the most widely used reversible method of contraception. With a remarkably low failure rate of less than 1 per 100 women in the first year of use, the Copper T-380A is in the top tier of contraceptives in terms of efficacy. Risks of utilization include perforation and an increased risk of infection in the first 20 days following insertion. Overall, the number of adverse events is low, making the Copper T-380A a very safe contraceptive method. The most common reasons for the discontinuation of this method are menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea. However, cumulative discontinuation rates of Copper T-380A are lower than that have been reported for other methods, indicating that the Copper T-380A is highly acceptable to women. After 5 years, approximately 50% of all women, who have a Copper T-380A inserted, will continue to use this highly effective contraceptive method.

Keywords: continuation; contraception; expulsion; pelvic inflammatory disease; perforation.

Figure 1

Previous use of contraceptives and risk of tubal occlusion presented as odds ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals. Note: Women with no previous use of contraception, rhythm method or withdrawal comprised the reference group. Hormonal methods only included oral contraceptives or injectables. From data of Hubacher et al 2001.