Title: Iron stores in users of oral and intrauterine contraception.

POPLINE Document Number: 048965

Author(s):

Thiery M
Martens G
Van Der Eecken A

Source citation:

IRCS MEDICAL SCIENCE, 1986;14:725.

Abstract:

To determine the existence of possible iron depletion accompanying IUD use, serum ferritin levels and current hematologic parameters after 1 decade of uninterrupted use of copper-containing IUDs were measured in 58 women and compared to values obtained from 50 women who had used combined oral contraceptives (OCs) for a similar length of time and from 50 controls who had used neither the IUD or OCs. Dietary intake of iron was not measured, but was considered adequate given the socioeconomic status of the study population. None of the subjects took iron supplements. The serum ferritin concentration was measured with an enzyme immunoassay, while hemoglobin concentration was analyzed through use of spectrophotometry. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups with regard to hemoglobin concentration or hematocrit. However, the differences in mean ferritin concentrations were highly significant (p 0.001). Mean serum ferritin concentration was 86.4 mcg/l in combined OC users, 54.5 mcg/l in controls, and 36.2 mcg/l in users of copper-bearing IUDs. Thus, it appears that long-term use of copper IUDs does decrease body iron stores significantly, without producing iron deficiency anemia. In parts of the developing world where iron stores are endemically depleted due to verminosis and nutritional deficiencies, prolonged use of copper IUDs may pose a serious health hazard.

Keywords:

Comparative Studies
IUD, Copper Releasing
IUD Side Effects
Contraception
Family Planning
Oral Contraceptives, Combined
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Serum Iron Level
Hemic System
Physiology
Biology
Side Effects
Studies
Research Methodology
IUD
Contraceptive Methods
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Contraceptive Agents
Treatment