title: Intrauterine systems: a frameless future?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intrauterine devices (IUD) are viewed as important contraceptive methodologies to prevent unintended pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This expert opinion examines the place of frameless devices for use in young women in order to minimize side effect, improve patient comfort and maximize continuation of use to help reduce unintended pregnancies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Frameless designed IUDs have the ability to be used in both small and large uterine cavities of varied shapes and can significantly reduce abnormal bleeding, pain, embedment and expulsion and likely account for higher continuation rates than that seen with framed IUDs.
authors.affiliation: a Gynecological Outpatient Clinic and IUD Training Center , Ghent , Belgium.
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wildemeersch
authors.affiliation: b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital , Western Cape , South Africa.
authors.forename: Norman D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Goldstuck
authors.affiliation: c Klinik für Operativen Gynäkologie, GynMünster , Münster , Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hasskamp
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned
keywords: Continuation of use; Copper IUD; framed IUD; frameless IUD; hormone-releasing IUD; side effects; unintended pregnancy