Effects of non-medicated and copper IUDs on sperm migration.

Abstract

35 women of proven fertility who were scheduled for surgical sterilization by salpingectomy were selected for this study; 15 control patients, 10 patients using the Multiload (ML) Cu 250 IUD, and 10 fitted with nonmedicated IUDs. Increased copper concentration did not affect sperm receptivity by the cervical mucus, but did significantly affect sperm motility and survival. Nonmedicated IUDs did not interfere with sperm transport in the oviduct. ML Cu IUDs inhibited sperm transport in the oviduct. The effects of the ML Cu IUD on sperm migration were more evident at the tubal level than at the cervical level.