Abstract

Menstrual cycle irregularities and menorrhagia are the most common complications of the intrauterine device as a contraceptive method. In a recent study of menstrual loss, women with an IUCD had a mean loss of 56 ml, compared with 13 ml for women on the pill and 38 ml for women using other forms of contraception.¹ Suggested causes for this increased loss include traumatic, chronic inflammatory and functional effects on the endometrium. Other possible causes of excessive bleeding are perforation of the uterus and abortion with the device still present.