CONTENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
December 1995 |
Because the latest IUDs prevent pregnancy so effectively, IUD use saves many lives that otherwise would be lost due to pregnancy-related causes. In developing countries the estimated average annual risk of dying from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth may be about 185 per 100,000 women not using contraception; in developed countries the estimated annual risk may be about 11 per 100,000. These estimates are based on estimated maternal mortality ratios of 420 deaths per 100,000 live births in developing countries and 26 per 100,000 in developed countries (636) and estimated annual fertility rates of 444 births per 1,000 sexually active women not using contraception in developing countries and 420 per 1,000 in developed countries (638). In contrast, death from causes related to reproduction are rare among IUD users. WHO and US researchers have estimated about one to two deaths per 100,000 IUD users per year—from infection, ectopic pregnancy, or second-trimester septic abortion (262, 301, 384, 436). The IUD is one of the safest family planning methods, according to estimates of annual death rates among US women using various family planning methods or no method. For each method and for no method, the study estimated the risks of dying either from pregnancy and childbearing, if the method fails, or from complications of method use. For almost all methods, pregnancy after method failure accounts for most or all of the risk. Thus, in general, the most effective methods, including the IUD, are the safest, and any method is much safer than no method at all. In every 5-year age group, from 15 to 44, the IUD has the lowest estimated mortality rates except for vasectomy (596). |