Abstract

PIP: An experiment was conducted to determine changes in menstrual blood loss caused by IUDs. 78 volunteer women of similar age and parity were randomly selected from among those requesting IUDs from the outpatient department of the National Medical Center of the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Menstrual blood loss and hemoglobin were measured for 1-2 control cycles and for 6 postinsertion cycles. Of the 8 different types of IUDs used, the Lippes Loop and the copper-releasing devices caused a statistically significant increase in blood loss and a related decrease in hemoglobin. The steroid-releasing devices caused no significant increase in blood loss and no significant changes in hemoglobin concentration. The rigid copper devices caused the greatest increase in blood loss. The noted changes were clearly established by the 3rd postinsertion cycle.