[Seventy-four pregnancies despite IUD]

This study investigated 74 pregnancies where an IUD had been inserted and where tangible proof of why the method had failed was questioned. In 26 cases there was a dislocation of the spiral while in 8 cases anatomical changes were presumed to be the reason for conception. Of the 154 "spiral pregnancies" recorded in Upper Austria during the study period 1984-85 92 (77.3% of the 119 intact intrauterine pregnancies culminated in termination and 35 (22.7%) were extrauterine pregnancies. Of the remaining 27 pregnancies which went to term there was not a single case of septic complication in the mother or abnormality in the child. In the opinion of the author this evidence presents a well-founded challenge to the widespread view that termination for the sake of the mother and fetus be recommended when an IUD is in place. (authors modified) (summaries in GER ENG)