Chlamydial antibodies among copper T intrauterine contraceptive device users

Approximately 60 million women use the intrauterine contraceptive devices [IUCD] worldwide. IUCD constitutes one of the most accepted and widely used methods of contraception especially in the developing countries. Several studies have demonstrated an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease [PID] in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices. The role of chlamydia trachomatis in causing PID among IUCD users is not clear. This prospective study aims to clarify the effect of copper T IUCD on the incidence of chlamydia trachomatis infection in the female genital tract. This was done by measuring anti-chlamydia antibodies in the serum of copper T IUCD users compared to non-users among 100 patients attending Family Planning Clinic in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. The results showed that Chlamydia antibodies were significantly higher [P < 0.01] among IUCD users compared to non-users. In addition, on linking diagnostic criteria of chlamydia trachomatis infection to the mean serology of chlamydial antibodies, there was no significant correlation to serology [P > 0.05]. This indicates the silent nature of this infection and the importance of screening of chlamydia trachomatis among women at riskor acquiring this infection

Urodynamic Studies after natural menopause

Urodynamic evaluation of lower urinary tract function was performed for 20 postmenopausal women of different age groups [group I, range 45 - 58 y., mean 51 +/- 4.2, group II, range 60-70 y. mean 65 +/- 3.4, n = 10 for each group]. Cystometric study showed an increase in time and volume of first sensation to void, indicating hyposensitivity of the bladder, in the older age group. Also, the detrusor pressure at the maximum cystometric capacity was significantly higher in older postmenopausal women reflecting a decrease in the elastic properties of the bladder wall. Static profilometry showed a significant decrease in maximum urethral pressure, maximum closure pressure and functional urethral length with advance of age. Uroflowmetry, that assess the functional coordination of the detrusor and the urethra showed a significant decrease in the average flow rate in older postmenopausal women. These urodynamic data may suggest an age-related deterioration in the intrinsic properties and/ or the extrinsic innervation of the female urinary tract, besides the expected effects of estrogen deficiency, after natural menopause