Comparison of the Effect of TCU-380A and TCUsafe-300 on Menstrual Blood Loss

Introduction and Objective: One of the most common side effects of intrauterine devices is increasing of menstrual blood loss, which may cause discontinuation and iron-deficiency anemia. By considering the effect of IUD type on menstrual blood loss volume and high incidence of iron-deficiency anemia among women, developing countries this research was conducted to compare the effects of TCU-380A and TCUsafe – 300 IUDs on menstrual blood loss among subjects attending health care centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2004.
 
Material & Methods: In this single blind clinical trial 110 healthy subjects enrolled as clients who were eligible for use of IUDs. They were selected by a purposive manner, then they were randomly divided in to two groups of TCU-380A and TCUsafe-300 users. Menstrual blood loss was measured one month before and 1, 2, and 3 months after IUD insertion by use of Higam Chart. Data were analyzed by using statistical tests such as chi–square, Mann–Withney, Independent t, Pair t, Fisher exact, Fisher, ANCOVA.
 
Results: Mean menstrual blood loss before TCUsafe-300 and TCU-380A usage were 44±17.8 mL respectively, for which there was no significant difference between them. But mean menstrual blood loss during the first 3 months after IUD inscrtion were 109.9 ±69.2 mL and 139 ±52.6 mL respectively (P = 0.032). Menstrual cycle length was decreased and menstrual duration was increased after IUD insertion in both groups (P < 0.001).
 
Conclusion and Comment: This research showed menstrual blood loss in the first 3 months after IUD insertion in TCUsafe – 300 users were less than TCU 380A users. More studies are suggested on the side effects and effectiveness of TCU-safe 300 IUDs and other ways of decreasing the blood loss in IUD users to increase the client motivation for using IUDs and increasing its continuation rate as well.