Uterotrophic action of an intrauterine contraceptive device in Rhesus monkeys.

Results from an experiment with either Margulies spiral or Lippes loop IUDs indicate that they have no effect on the uterine weight of intact or ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. Biochemical and histologic measurements show a mild transitory trauma to the primate uterus on insertion; it is not long-lasting. In ovariectomized monkeys with or without IUDs estrogen therapy will cause the same degree of weight gain in the uterus. These findings contrast with earlier work on rats.