Narrative review of monitoring systems for intrauterine devices

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are widely used long-acting contraceptive methods that cause biochemical and morphological changes in the uterine cavity. Despite their widespread adoption, systems for monitoring the effects and outcomes of IUD usage remain underdeveloped. This study aimed to conduct a narrative review of patents and applications for monitoring systems for women with IUDs. Searches were performed in six databases, including the European Patent Office (EPO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), LENS, Google Patents, and the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), using tailored strategies for each platform. A total of 1,549 patents were identified, but only one met the inclusion criteria for IUD monitoring systems. This patent describes a method and system for predicting bleeding patterns in women using IUDs with active ingredient release, employing artificial intelligence algorithms and logistic regression models. Notably, this patent had differing classifications in Brazil and the United States, reflecting variations in the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes between the two registers. The scarcity of patents on IUD monitoring systems underscores the limited development and innovation in this area. In contrast, the proliferation of menstruation tracker apps highlights an untapped potential for adapting these technologies to support IUD-specific monitoring. This study emphasizes the need for greater investment in and development of IUD monitoring technologies, which could improve healthcare professionals' ability to collect and analyze relevant data while also addressing the personal and clinical needs of women using IUDs.