Authors: Hubacher, David; Reyes, Veronica; Lillo, Sonia; Pierre-Louis, Bosny; Zepeda, Ana; Chen, Pai-Lien; Croxatto, Horacio

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 21, Number 6, June 2006 , pp. 1467-1472(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Increased menstrual bleeding and pain are the primary side effects that lead to early removal of the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are proven treatments for such IUD-induced problems, but their effect on early IUD removal is unknown. METHODS: A total of 2019 first-time IUD users were recruited in Chile for this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Half of the participants were given ibuprofen and instructions to take 1200 mg daily during menses (for up to 5 days each cycle) for the first 6 months of IUD use. The other half were asked to take an identical appearing placebo in the same manner. The primary outcome was IUD removal within 12 months of insertion. RESULTS: A total of 1011 and 1008 women were randomly assigned to ibuprofen and placebo, respectively. During 12 months of observation, 190 had the device removed because of dysmenorrhoea and/or increased menstrual bleeding: 85 in the placebo group and 105 in the ibuprofen group. For ibuprofen users, the hazard ratio for removal for these IUD-induced side effects was 1.0 and 1.2 at 6 and 12 months, respectively (both not significant). CONCLUSION: Although increased menstrual bleeding and pain are common reasons for early IUD removal, prophylactic use of ibuprofen, at the dosage used here, does not reduce removal rates.

Keywords: ibuprofen; IUD; prevention; removal; side effects

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del029

Publication date: 2006-06-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
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