Variations in Serum Concentrations of Lead, Copper, Zinc and Selenium in Women Practicing Different Contraceptive Methods at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Contraceptives are devices or techniques that permit sexual union without resultant pregnancy. Women on different contraceptive methods have been linked with the development of various diseases including changes in serum trace element levels. Therefore, the relationship between contraceptive use and trace elements needs to be investigated. This was a cohort study designed to determine the possible variations in serum concentrations of lead, copper, zinc and selenium in women practicing different contraceptive methods and attending family planning clinic at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Southeast, Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and forty (240) women within their reproductive age of 18-45 years were recruited for the study. sixty (60) women were on implants, sixty (60) were on intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) while sixty (60) were on combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), the remaining sixty (60) women who were not on any contraceptive methods were recruited among the staff of the hospital and used as control group. 5 ml of venous blood sample was collected and dispensed into plain containers. Serum was processed and stored at -20EšC until assayed for lead, copper, selenium and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The result shows that the mean serum level of copper was significantly higher in women on all the contraceptive methods (Implants, IUCD and COCP) when compared with control group (p<0.05 respectively). However, the mean serum levels of selenium and zinc were significantly lower in women on different contraceptive methods when compared with control group (p<0.05 respectively). The mean serum copper (mg/dl) in women on implant and IUCD were significantly higher when compared with women on COCP (p<0.05 in each case) and significantly lower in implant than IUCD participants (p<0.05). The mean serum level of zinc (mg/dl) was significantly higher in women on COCP and IUCD compared with women on implant and significantly lower in COCP compared with women on IUCD (p<0.05 in each case). The mean serum level of selenium in women on COCP was significantly higher compared with women on implant and IUCD (p<0.05) and significantly lower in participants on implants than those on IUCD (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study established a significant reduction in trace elements degrees suggesting possible deficiency of these minerals while significantly higher level of copper observed in women on all the contraceptive methods suggests potential risk of cardiovascular problems and oxidative stress in the affected women. It is therefore suggested that routine assessment of trace elements be recommended for women practicing various contraceptive methods in order to improve their quality of lives and easy management.