INFECTION FREQUENCY AMONG INTRAUTERINE COPPER T-380A CONTRACEPTIVE USERS

Abstract

Background and objectives: We aimed to investigate the frequency of infection and type of etiological agents in patients with an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) compared to a control group, and to determine a correlation between infection and duration of IUD usage. Methods: The survey included 174 symptomatic women of fertile age. The subjects were divided into two groups: IUD users (109 patients) and a control group (women not using IUD) (65 patients). Samplings, transportation, sample processing in the laboratory were conducted using standard microbiological methods. Results: A total of 61(55.9%) of symptomatic patients using IUD had at least one documented pathogen while a total of 39 (60%) of symptomatic patients had at least one documented pathogen in the control group (p=0.165). The most frequently isolated pathogen was Ureaplasma urealyticum in both groups, with significantly higher rates in IUD users (P =0.021). Interpretation and conclusion: The infection rate between the groups was not significantly different. Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most common pathogen, documented in both groups. There was no correlation between infection rate and the period of IUD use.