How does the IUD influence subsequent fertility?

Analyzing the data of 649 women, 587 pregnancies and 502 deliveries after discontinuation of IUD use, the return of fertility was investigated in a retrospective study. The non-medicated, Szontágh-type device was removed for planned pregnancy in every case and after removal, the women did not use any kind of contraception until the first conception. Using the life table technique for calculation, the cumulative conception rate was 90.5 at the end of the first year after discontinuation of IUD use. The duration of IUD use did not influence the length of time that had elapsed until the first conception after removal, and the outcome of pregnancies was the same in the study and the local control group. The period of time between discontinuation and first conception did not influence the length of gestation and there were statistically no significant differences in the frequencies of abortion, immature or premature, and mature delivery among the pregnancies conceived in the first, second, third and fourth quarter of the year after removal. The frequency of malformations and the sex ratio of the newborns also were found to be the same in the study and the control group. The birthweight corresponded to that of the local standard values. It is stated that, as for the return of fertility, the Szontágh IUD fulfils the requirement established for all temporary contraceptive methods. After removing the device fertility was restored and no negative effects on conception, course and outcome of pregnancy were observed. In our opinion, the conclusions drawn from these results may apply to other inert IUDs, however, further investigation of the question with more cases and different types of IUD should be made.