Mortality associated with use of IUDs

H. S. Kahn and C. W. Tyler Jr

Five deaths associated with the use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) were reported during the first half of 1973 through a nationwide mail survey of physicians whose practices were likely to be involved with intrauterine contraception. Four of the five reported deaths involved serious infections, and two of these four occurred in relation to a pregnancy. Use of an IUD prior to death ranged from seven months to 3 1/2 years. The mortality attributable to IUDs is estimated to be lower than that attributable to combination oral contraceptives.