A multicenter study of the clinical performance of the Ortho Gyne-T380 Slimline intrauterine device in routine use in general practice and family planning clinics

In a multiclinic use-effectiveness study, 505 parous women were fitted with an Ortho Gyne-T380 Slimline intrauterine device (IUD). Gross cumulative event rates, calculated by the Tietze-Potter life-table method, show the device to have a very low pregnancy rate and a low expulsion rate. The rate of removal following complaints of bleeding and/or pain was high. The incidence of infection was low and more likely to occur among younger users. The older parous women were more likely to have a satisfactory experience of IUD use than younger users. In accordance with current advice, and following a full discussion with the client, long-term use of the device beyond the manufacturer's recommended time period will continue among satisfied users.