Shifting of Intrauterine Device and Use of the Menstrual Cup: Case-control Study

In France, 26% of women of childbearing age use an intrauterine device (IUD) containing copper or levonorgestrel as a method of contraception. Failures of IUD contraception are mainly due to shifting or expulsion of the IUD. The risk factors for expulsion of IUDs most often found in the literature are young age (<25 years), the existence of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, being a carrier of a copper IUD rather than a levonorgestrel IUD , a history of IUD expulsion, nulliparity, and an anomaly of the uterine cavity unrecognized (fibroma, adenomyosis).

More and more women are turning to menstrual cups (MCs) as a means of periodic protection. But the use of MC has also been mentioned as a risk factor for IUD expulsion (via a suction effect). In May 2013, reports of displacement, rupture, or even expulsion of copper IUDs in CM users were reported to ANSM.

However, few studies have examined the risks associated with the concomitant use of an MC and an IUD. The data are contradictory and insufficient to provide a clear answer to women. Hence the interest in carrying out a larger prospective study to explore the relationship between IUD expulsion and the use of MC.