Impact of Various Contraceptive Methods on Immunological Profiles in Women: A Serological Analysis in Diyala Governorate

Abstract

Introduction: Both hormonal and non-hormonal contraception methods are highly effective and used globally. Our study aimed to examine the immune factors in women using contraceptives, providing insights into the complexities involved. Ninety women participated, with 50 using contraceptives (study group) and 40 not using any (control group), all considered healthy individuals. Venous blood samples, drawn using sterile single-use medical syringes, were 5 ml each. Methods: The study used an inclusive approach, employing techniques like Indirect Sandawish ELISA to assess CD4, CD8, IL16, and IL27 levels, and Single Immunodiffusion (SRID) for IgG, IgM, and IgA determination. Results: Analysis revealed significantly higher levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, and IL16 in contraceptive users compared to non-users. However, CD4 and IL27 levels showed a marked reduction in patients compared to healthy controls. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in immune variables between different contraceptive types, except for IgA, which was highest in injection users and lowest in oral contraceptive users. Further scrutiny found no significant variations (P>0.05) between immune variable levels and hormonal/non-hormonal contraceptives, except for IL16 (P>0.01). Conclusions: The study concludes that various contraceptive methods (tablets, injections, copper IUDs) lead to increased levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA). Importantly, changes in contraceptive type (tablets, injections, IUDs) had minimal impact on immune variables, except for increased IgA in injection users. Hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptives showed no noticeable influence on immune indicators, except for IL16, which exhibited a significant increase.