GyneFix

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The GyneFix is a type of intrauterine device (IUD). It is also called FlexiGard 330 or CuFix PP330.

Contents 1 Structure and effectiveness 2 Unfullfilled expectations 3 Availability 4 External links 5 Footnotes

[edit] Structure and effectiveness

GyneFix consists of 4 or 6 small copper beads on a plastic string, lacking the T-shaped frame of traditional IUDs. It is held in place by a suture to the fundus of the uterus. The surface area of the copper on the device is 330 square millimeters. As with other IUDs, its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is greater than 99%.

[edit] Unfullfilled expectations

GyneFix was designed to be superior to older IUDs by being less irritating (it has a smaller frame and contains less copper than other available IUDs) and being less-easily expelled from the womb due to its unique insertion method. The theory was that it would not increase the length or heaviness of menstrual periods as older IUDs did; would be more suitable for women whose uterine sounds have revealed a small uterus, and by extension more widely accepted as an appropriate form of contraception for nulliparous women (women who have never been pregnant). The theoretical lowering of expulsion rates would make it more suitable for insertion immediately postpartum or after an abortion, situations that result in high expulsion rates with T-frame IUDs.

In practice, expulsion rates and increased menstrual flow and cramping turned out to be the same as with other copper IUDs.^[1] Affixing the GyneFix to the fundus of the uterus is more difficult than standard IUD insertion and requires extra training which most doctors do not have. Even with this training, perforations of the uterine wall during insertion are far more common than with standard IUDs. Removal of the GyneFix is more difficult than with standard copper IUDs because of the way it is anchored to the uterine wall, whereas standard IUDs are simply removed by pulling gently on the string.

[edit] Availability

GyneFix has not turned out to offer the benefits that were hoped for, and instead carries several disadvantages and risks. As a result, very few doctors are willing to insert a GyneFix, and there may only be one clinic, if any, in a country where this can be done. The device is very rarely used and is not available at all in the USA (Paragard is the only copper IUD available in the U.S.). For the intended target users of GyneFix, nulliparous women, European doctors prefer instead smaller T-frame copper IUDs such as the Nova T380.

[edit] External links

• Contrel, the Belgian research organization behind GyneFix
• Population Reports, Series M, Number19, New Contraceptive Choices - Intrauterine Devices

[edit] Footnotes

1. ^ Dennis J, Webb A, Kishen M (2001). "Expulsions following 1000 GyneFix insertions.". J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 27 (3): 135-8. PMID 12457493.