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Unintended Pregnancy Prevention: Intervention Activities:
IUD Safety Fact Sheet |
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Fact sheet: Update on intrauterine devices (IUD) and pelvic infection
Women and their clinicians should be aware that today's IUDs are highly
effective and safe for long-term contraceptive use for women at low risk
for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
During 1974, CDC raised questions about the Dalkon Shield, an IUD
marketed between 1970 and 1974, and found an excess risk of complicated
pregnancies among the Dalkon Shield users compared with users of other
IUDs. In 1974, the manufacturer withdrew the device from the market.
Research and improvements have made today's IUDs an attractive
contraceptive choice for many women who might be avoiding IUDs because of
the Dalkon Shield.
Today, fewer than 1 percent of women who use contraceptives in the United
States use the IUD, but those who do, find it highly acceptable. The most
commonly used IUD in the United States reports a 1 percent or less
pregnancy rate per year and a low rate of side effects.
More recent studies suggest that most cases of pelvic infection that
occur with an IUD in place are caused by STDs. Also, most IUD attributable
infections appear to be related to insertion of the device; some of these
infections are likely preventable with proper infection control measures.
IUD
Safety: Report of a nationwide physician survey
In an attempt to determine the morbidity and mortality
associated with IUD use nationwide, CDC, in conjunction with the American Medical
Association (AMA) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), began a physician survey
in June 1973. As part of its commemoration of CDC’s 50th anniversary in July
1996, MMWR reprinted selected MMWR articles of historical interest to public health,
accompanied by current editorial notes. Recent studies have suggested that most cases of
pelvic infection that occur with an IUD in place are attributable to sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) and that women at low risk for STDs also are at low risk for pelvic
infection while they are using an IUD.
Source: MMWR Oct.17, 1997/ Vol.46/No. 41.
Page last reviewed: 12/4/08
Page last modified: 8/25/06
Content source:
Division of Reproductive Health,
National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
