Introduction of the GyneFix intra-uterine device into the UK: client satisfaction survey and casenotes review.

Objective: To assess the first year's use with the GyneFix intra-uterine device. This has been used in Liverpool since early 1997. It is offered mainly to nulliparous women wishing to use an effective non-hormonal method and parous women who have had pain with, or expulsion of, a framed device previously. It is also used as emergency contraception.

Design: Retrospective study, by means of casenote review and client questionnaire.

Participants: All GyneFix users from February 1997 to January 1998; 215 women in total.

Main Outcome Measures: Data were extracted from casenotes to determine reasons for choice of GyneFix, parity, whether the insertion was planned or as an emergency measure, problems reported at follow-up and reasons for removal. Users were asked by questionnaire to comment on insertion procedure, menstrual or other changes since insertion and to state their overall satisfaction.

Results: Over half of the users (57%) were nulliparous and a quarter of insertions were for emergency contraceptive use. A third reported that insertion was 'very painful'. Half reported that their periods had become heavier since insertion, but only 8% said that they were now unmanageable. Unacceptable bleeding was the most common reason for removal. Some reported intermenstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhoea. Satisfaction with the GyneFix was high; 86% of questionnaire responders said that they would recommend it to a friend.

Conclusion: The GyneFix is well accepted in Liverpool inappropriately selected clients, and is an effective non-hormonal method for nulliparous as well as parous women.