[afro-nets] RFI: Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device and "STI" (4)

["Emmanuel Otolorin" <eotolorin@jhpiego.net>]

RFI: Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device and "STI" (4)
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Hi,

I think it is important to have correct information about the link between IUD use and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). For many years, it was felt that IUDs caused significant increases in PID rates in women and there have been numerous well-controlled studies to examine this relationship. The summary of the findings is that IUDs marginally increase PID rates, with only 1.6 infections occurring in every 1000 women fitted with the device. This means that 998.4 women out of every 1000 do not experience a PID. You may wish to read more about IUDs at the attached link below:
http://www.maqweb.org/iudtoolkit/knowledge_base/essentialknowledge.pdf 

Having said that, most of the few infections occur within 3-4 weeks of the insertion, suggesting that they result from pre-existing STIs in the client at the time of insertion and therefore emphasizing the importance of proper screening of clients before insertion. 

When a woman who has been using an IUD for many years experiences symptoms of an infection, it is important to screen for an STI (especially Chlamydia Trachomatis or Gonococcal infection). This infection is more likely due to a new STI and not due to the IUD itself. In such a situation, think it is better for both partners to be screened to determine the causative organism(s) and to seek prompt treatment. Do not waste valuable time arguing about the source of infection. Best wishes. 

All the best.

'Dipo

Emmanuel Oladipo Otolorin, FRCOG
mailto:eotolorin@jhpiego.net