Effects of IUD on iron status in IUD users in Gorgan, Iran

Background: CuT380A intra uterine device Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is used in the health system of Iran. The most important and frequent side effects of the IUDs are hypermenorrhea and polymenorrhea. In Iran, iron supplement are not prescribed for the IUD users and there are no documents indicating their iron reservation status. This study was performed to determine the iron status in Gorganian IUD users. Methods: This historical cohort study was performed on 100 IUD users (exposed group) and 100 non-IUD users (non-exposed group) in the Golestan province in north east of Iran in 2008. To evaluate the iron status hemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured. Data was analyzed by SPSS 13 by using Chi square and Independent T-test. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Hgb less than 10.5 was seen in 5% and 6% of IUD users and non-IUD users respectively which was not statistically significant (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 0.39-5.25). Low Ferretin Level (less than 15) was seen in 53% of IUD users and in 35% of non-IUD users which was statistically significant (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.28-4.29) Duration of menstrual period in the two groups was statistically significant (7.5±2.4 vs. 6.4±1.8, p= 0.005) but interval of menstruation (days) was not statistically significant (26.7±4.7 vs. 28±11.2, p> 0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of the results obtained we suggest either routine iron supplementation following application of IUD, or use of the hormone releasing IUD as an alternative for copper IUDs.