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  • Title: Chorionic gonadotropin in women fitted with intrauterine device.
    Author: Yarkoni S, Zer TA, Schenker JG.
    Journal: Infertility; 1980; 3(1):23-7. PubMed ID: 12263338.
    Abstract:
    The presence of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood and urine of women with IUDs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle has been reported and suggests that IUDs have a post-implantation abortifacient action (the embryo produces HCG after implantation). This study examines the validity of this hypothesis. 8 randomly selected Lippes Loop wearers aged 21 to 35 years (mean age, 29 years) participated in the study. IUD use ranged from 7 to 38 months (means, 23 months). Mean length of menstrual cycle was 30.5 days. The women were asked to have sexual intercourse regularly at least every 2 days, beginning from the 12th day of the menstrual cycle. 57 blood samples were collected every 2nd day, starting day 18 of the menstrual cycle until the onset of subsequent menses. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for HCG beta subunit, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone was done. Ovulation occured in all women as shown by serum progesterone levels above 3 mg/ml. HCG could not be detected in any sample, including samples with high levels of LH, suggesting that there is no cross-reactivity of the anti-HCG beta subunit antibody with LH. This study did not confirm studies of others which found HCG in the blood/urine samples of IUD wearers. The disparity in findings may be attributed to either non-specific interference, or of a cross-reaction between the anti-serum used for the beta HCG RIA and LH. The true mechanism of IUD remains unknown. Either the IUD prevents the embryo from reaching the HCG-secreting stage, or the IUD interferes with fertilization itself.
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