Effects of the copper IUD on composition of the vaginal microbiota in the olive baboon

Objectives Assess the impact of transcervical insertion, use, and removal of copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUD) on baboon physiology ( e.g . weight, menstruation) and vaginal microbiota. Study design Vaginal swabs were taken before insertion (pre-IUD), during IUD use (IUD), and after removal (post-IUD) and microbiota assessed by 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence analysis. Results No animals showed physical changes or discomfort during pre-IUD, IUD, or post-IUD phases. There were no changes to the microbiome associated with insertion or use of Cu-IUD over 16 weeks, although removal resulted in perturbation to community structure. Conclusions Baboons tolerate Cu-IUD insertion with minimal device-associated changes to their vaginal microbiome throughout use and have no significant changes to their physiology or menstrual cycle during any phase. Implications A baboon model of Cu-IUD may allow investigations into the intersection of Cu-IUDs, reproductive tract disorders and pathogens that would not be possible in human studies.