HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by SINGH, E. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by SINGH, E. J.

Effect of Oral Contraceptives and IUD's on the Copper in Human Cervical Mucus

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

The copper content of normal human cervical mucus varies during the menstrual cycle. It is lowest at midcycle when the copper content decreases sharply. When oral contraceptives are used, levels of copper in the mucus show a general increase, this being especially evident at midcycle when the normal decrease in levels is not observable. In addition, with oral contraceptive use, normal cyclic variation in the copper levels in mucus disappears. Copper content of the mucus is also noticeably higher in users of copper IUD's and slightly higher in users of plastic (non-copper-bearing) IUD's than in normal controls. Mucus samples from copper IUD users consistently have the highest copper content in all phases of the menstrual cycle. It is concluded that the presence of copper assists in preventing pregnancy.