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Review
. 2016 Sep 13:7:127-141.
doi: 10.2147/OAJC.S85755. eCollection 2016.

New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US

Anita L Nelson  1 , Natasha Massoudi  2
Affiliations
Review

New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US

Anita L Nelson et al. Open Access J Contracept. .

Abstract

Many more women in the US today rely upon intrauterine devices (IUDs) than in the past. This increased utilization may have substantially contributed to the decline in the percentage of unintended pregnancies in the US. Evidence-based practices have increased the number of women who are medically eligible for IUDs and have enabled more rapid access to the methods. Many women enjoy freedom to use IUDs without cost, but for many the impact of the Affordable Care Act has yet to be realized. Currently, there are three hormonal IUDs and one copper IUD available in the US. Each IUD is extremely effective, convenient, and safe. The newer IUDs have been tested in populations not usually included in clinical trials and provide reassuring answers to older concerns about IUD use in these women, including information about expulsion, infection, and discontinuation. On the other hand, larger surveillance studies have provided new estimates about the risks of complications such as perforation, especially in postpartum and breastfeeding women. This article summarizes significant features of each IUD and provides a summary of the differences to aid clinicians in the US and other countries in advising women about IUD choices.

Keywords: bleeding patterns; copper intrauterine device; levonorgestrel intrauterine systems; medical eligibility; noncontraceptive benefits; placement pain; safety; same-day/quick start initiation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Anita L Nelson declares that she has received grant funding from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, and ContraMed. She also has received honoraria for serving on advisory boards for Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and ContraMed and for speaker’s bureau activity with Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA, and Pharmanest. Natasha Massoudi reports no conflicts of interest in this work.

References

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