The TCu-380A (AG), MLCu375, and Nova-T IUDs and the IUD daily releasing 20 micrograms levonorgestrel--four pillars of IUD contraception for the nineties and beyond?

With recent studies repeatedly showing results clearing the IUDs from their formerly suspected role in causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), very likely IUD use will further increase worldwide. While most previous IUDs have been withdrawn from the US market during the 1980s, newer and more effective IUDs have subsequently been developed; and some, marketed. Four of these devices will probably become the pillars for future IUD contraception worldwide. This review evaluates the relative performance and safety of these four devices. Consistent findings have proven the Copper-T 380A (Ag) and the Multiload-375 (MLCu375) IUDs to be safe with high and long-lasting efficacy. The Nova-T IUD showed favorable results in some studies, but showed deteriorated efficacy after three years of use in others; more studies are needed. Studies show that the IUD that daily releases 20 micrograms levonorgestrel (LNG-20) is associated with the highest efficacy in preventing accidental pregnancy among the four devices, but it has a uniquely high medical removal rate because of amenorrhea. This steroid-releasing device could be a high-performance IUD if this type of medical removal can be reduced through patient counseling devised according to local cultural background.