Intrauterine device use does not increase the incidence of anti-hepatitis C seropositivity among monogamous women in Turkey.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between intrauterine device (IUD) use and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) status has not been investigated yet. The aims of this study were to compare anti-HCV seropositivity between IUD users and nonusers and to determine whether IUD use is an independent risk factor for anti-HCV seropositivity.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 302 married women who used either an IUD (n=164) or did not use any form of modern contraception (n=138). Statistical analysis was carried out using multiple logistic regression models.


RESULTS
Most women were housewives and all indicated their husbands as the one and only lifetime sexual partner. None of the women have ever used intravenous drugs. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of the major risk factors for HCV exposure such as invasive dental procedures, parenteral injections, surgery and blood or blood product transfusions. Twenty-seven (8.9%) of the participants were anti-HCV-positive. Of these, 14 were IUD users and 13 were nonusers and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p=.472). The most important risk factors for anti-HCV seropositivity were the number of deliveries (OR=1.41; 95% CI 1.07-1.86) and invasive dental procedures (OR=2.39; 95% CI 1.07-5.39).


CONCLUSIONS
IUD use is not associated with an increased incidence of anti-HCV seropositivity among monogamous women. The IUD may be an appropriate contraceptive option for women in stable monogamous partnership with HCV carriers and condom use should not be specifically recommended in this situation.
Ozgun
Mahmut Tuncay
MT
Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey. mtozgun@erciyes.edu.tr
Batukan
Cem
C
Mazicioglu
Mumtaz M
MM
Serin
Ibrahim Serdar
IS
Baskol
Mevlut
M
Ozturk
Ahmet
A
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000254:growth & development*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies