Hematological parameters and iron therapy in women with IUDs (authors transl)

It is debated whether IUD use produces through increased menstrual blood loss changes in Hb (hemoglobin) level and in hematocrit leading sometimes to anemia. According to some authors anemia is 4-5 times more frequent in IUD users and Hb is often below 12.0 g/100 ml which is the level recommended by WHO. To further investigate this subject the authors of the article observed 108 women aged 18-40 all wearers of copper IUDs. Patients were divided into 4 groups: 1) those who before insertion of IUD had Hb values of less than 12 g and who were not treated with iron; 2) those with Hb levels higher than 12 g and who did not receive iron treatment; 3) those with Hb levels lower than 12 g and treated with iron and 4) those with Hb higher than 12 g and treated with iron. Hb hematocrit and iron level in serum were measured in all patients at 8 and 12 months after insertion of IUDs. Results indicated that: 1) in patients with Hb level higher than 12 g there were no significant changes whether they had or they had not been treated with iron; and 2) in patients with Hb values lower than 12 g and who had not been treated a further decrease in Hb levels and hematocrit was noted while Hb levels and hematocrit level increased considerably in patients who had been given prophylactic iron treatment. (summary in ENG)