The intra-uterine contraceptive device--contraceptive or abortifacient? 1978

H Kort, and L A van der Walt

Further to the investigation of the possible mode of action of the intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), an assay for the beta-specific subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) has detected endogenous chorionic activity 21 days after menstruation. In 22 proven ovulatory cycles, 7 patients wearing an IUCD had demonstrable serum HCG levels in 45% of these cycles. Abnormal menstruation was associated with the majority of cycles in which there was HCG in the serum. Subsequent luteolysis occurred in all cases. The results of this study may support the hypothesis that IUCD exerts its effect on the fertilized, implanted blastocyst, thus causing possible 'micro-abortion'. Caution should be exercised in the interpretation of HCG values in the follow-up of patients with hydatidiform mole or choriocarcinoma who are bearing IUCDs, since positive HCG levels may be due to an early, fertilized and implanted blastocyst and not to invasive tissue.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007434 Intrauterine Devices Contraceptive devices placed high in the uterine fundus. Contraceptive Devices, Intrauterine,Contraceptive IUD,Contraceptive IUDs,IUD, Unmedicated,Unmedicated IUDs,Contraceptive Device, Intrauterine,Device, Intrauterine,Device, Intrauterine Contraceptive,Devices, Intrauterine,Devices, Intrauterine Contraceptive,IUD, Contraceptive,IUDs, Contraceptive,Intrauterine Contraceptive Device,Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices,Intrauterine Device,Unmedicated IUD
D007435 Intrauterine Devices, Copper Intrauterine contraceptive devices that depend on the release of metallic copper. Copper Intrauterine Devices,Copper-Releasing IUDs,IUD, Copper Releasing,Copper Intrauterine Device,Copper Releasing IUD,Copper-Releasing IUD,Device, Copper Intrauterine,Devices, Copper Intrauterine,IUD, Copper-Releasing,IUDs, Copper-Releasing,Intrauterine Device, Copper
D008598 Menstruation The periodic shedding of the ENDOMETRIUM and associated menstrual bleeding in the MENSTRUAL CYCLE of humans and primates. Menstruation is due to the decline in circulating PROGESTERONE, and occurs at the late LUTEAL PHASE when LUTEOLYSIS of the CORPUS LUTEUM takes place.
D010060 Ovulation The discharge of an OVUM from a rupturing follicle in the OVARY. Ovulations
D011374 Progesterone The major progestational steroid that is secreted primarily by the CORPUS LUTEUM and the PLACENTA. Progesterone acts on the UTERUS, the MAMMARY GLANDS and the BRAIN. It is required in EMBRYO IMPLANTATION; PREGNANCY maintenance, and the development of mammary tissue for MILK production. Progesterone, converted from PREGNENOLONE, also serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of GONADAL STEROID HORMONES and adrenal CORTICOSTEROIDS. Pregnenedione,Progesterone, (13 alpha,17 alpha)-(+-)-Isomer,Progesterone, (17 alpha)-Isomer,Progesterone, (9 beta,10 alpha)-Isomer
D002986 Clinical Trials as Topic Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries. Clinical Trial as Topic
D005260 Female Females
D006063 Chorionic Gonadotropin A gonadotropic glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the PLACENTA. Similar to the pituitary LUTEINIZING HORMONE in structure and function, chorionic gonadotropin is involved in maintaining the CORPUS LUTEUM during pregnancy. CG consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. Within a species, the alpha subunit is virtually identical to the alpha subunits of the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH, and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity (CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT, HUMAN). Chorionic Gonadotropin, Human,HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin),Biogonadil,Choriogonadotropin,Choriogonin,Chorulon,Gonabion,Human Chorionic Gonadotropin,Pregnyl,Gonadotropin, Chorionic,Gonadotropin, Human Chorionic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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