[Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD'S) (author's transl)]

Abstract

The IUD is an excellent and very effective contraceptive method. As contraception and coitus are separated, this technique is acceptable to many couples. It provides prolonged protection and cannot be "forgotten" like the Pill, the diaphragm, or the condom. Its pregnancy rate is 2 per 100 women per year. The greatest clinical experience exists with the Lippes loop. The loop should be the method of choice for parous women, the Copper-T for the nullipara and nulligravida. Regularly menstruating women should be advised to use additional contraceptive protection (condom, diaphragm, coitus interruptus, foam) during the week of highest fertility. This will make the IUD as effective as the Pill. Physicians prescribing this method should be available 24 hours per day for their patients, as emergency situations such as P.I.D., ectopic pregnancy, septic abortion--rare as they are--would need prompt attention.