Bacterial and genital mycoplasmal colonization of cervix: role of copper containing intrauterine devices

ABSTRACT

Bacterial and Genital Mycoplasmal colonization of the cervix were evaluated among 120 women using copper T 380 A intrauterine contraceptive device [IUD]for periods of variable lengths compared to 40 women attending the family planning clinic at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital for IUD application. We found that there is no significant difference among bacterial isolates in both groups, however, there is a highly significant relationship between the use of copper containing IUD and the increased prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum [U. urealyticum] [P < 0.01] but not Mycoplasma hominis [M. hominis] [P < 0.05]. So our conclusion was that copper containing devices are not associated with qualitative difference among bacterial isolates but there is an increased prevalence of U. urealyticum which may have an effect later on the next expected pregnancy after removal of the IUD