Immunoglobulins IgG IgA and IgM in serum and uterine washings in women with intrauterine contraceptive devices.

Levels of immunoglobulins IgG IgA and IgM in sera and uterine washings were assayed in 50 women with IUDs in place for 1-36 months and were compared with matched controls. A single radial diffusion technique was used for immunoglobulin estimation. The mean serum of IgG (1433.9 =or- 385.14) and IgM (136 -or- 38.05) were raised significantly in IUD users. Similarly uterine fluid immunoglobulins IgG (84.38 +or- 59.25) IgA (26.32 +or- 14.92) and IgM (8.0 +or- 0.39) were significantly raised when compared to a control group. The rise in serum immunoglobulin occurred earlier (within 6 months) than locally produced immunoglobulins in the uterine fluid which occurred only 6 months after IUD insertion. (authors modified)