Abstract

PIP: The concentrations of protein and copper and the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were measured in the uterine fluid of 8 25-38 year old women using the copper-T (Cu-T) 200 device for intrauterine contraception. Specimens were obtained in the proliferative phase on Cycle Days 10-12 of 1 menstrual cycle, and in the secretory phase on Days 20-23 during the next cycle prior to the insertion of the Cu-T, and during the same cycle days in Cycles 2 or 3 or 6 or 7 following insertion. Uterine fluid was obtained by irrigating the uterine cavity with physiological saline, while endometrial biopsies were taken for histological dating of the endometrium. The protein concentration of the uterine washings did not change significantly as a result of the Cu-T insertion. There was a significant difference (p.001) in Cycles 2 or 3 and 6 or 7 following insertion. Acid phosphatase activity was not influenced by the presence of the device. The betaglucuronidase in the fluid obtained during the proliferative phase showed a significant increase (p .001) DURING THE TIME WHEN the device was situ. The device caused a significant increase in the copper concentration in both phases, while the copper level in the blood serum remained unchanged. There was as increased number of white blood cells in the washings obtained during the secretory phase. The increase in the copper concentration of the uterine fluid might be the cause of the Cu-T antifertility effect due to a spermatotoxic and/or blastotoxic effect, as may the enzymic changes and increase of white blood cells.