Menstrual blood loss estimates in women using copper 7 and multiload-250 intrauterine devices

Abstract

An estimate of the menstrual blood loss (MBL) in 29 women using the Cu-7 and in 33 women using the ML-250 IUDs was carried out. None of the women who took part in the study used hormonal contraceptives or IUDs for six months previous to the study. Before the insertion of the IUD, the MBL of each woman was measured for one or two cycles. Once the IUD was inserted, the MBL was measured at intervals of 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after insertion. After this, the IUD was removed and the MBL measured each month thereafter for 3 months. In the pre-insertion period, the MBL was similar in both groups: 39.3 +/- 5.9 for the group with the Cu-7, and 41.6 +/- 5.5 ml for the one with the ML-250. After the insertion of the Cu-7, either a slight increase or no increase at all of MBL was observed during the 12 months of IUD use. When the IUD was removed, the menstrual blood loss level returned to normal, i.e. to the pre-insertion level.