Significant bacteremia associated with replacement of intrauterine contraceptive device

Abstract

Blood culture samples were taken from 23 women at different stages when an intrauterine contraceptive device was replaced. Transient bacteremia resulting from vaginal organisms was found in 13% of women 4 to 6 minutes after insertion of the new device. Previous reports have failed to demonstrate bacteremia associated with either first insertion or removal of intrauterine contraceptive device. Our results show that replacement of an intrauterine contraceptive device, a more traumatic procedure, causes significant bacteremia, and chemoprophylaxis should be given to patients in the groups at risk.