The Department of Health is following up after five reports of breakage and expulsion of a batch of  contraceptive devices from Singapore's Medico Techno in the past 12 months.

The department's Family Health Services and the Family Planning Associaton of Hong Kong distributed 1,161 intra-uterine devices, of the model Copper T380A and batch number FD 010201, between 2001 and 2003.

As the device's contraceptive effect may be affected, the department and the association will contact the women concerned for checkups, including removal and replacement of the devices if necessary.

The department said the replacement is a precautionary measure as there has not been any report of major side effects from using the affected devices so far.

In the past 12 months, the association reported five of the devices broken and partially or completely expelled. Women whose devices are found to be expelled should immediately consult their doctors and take other contraceptive measures, the department said.

Using an intra-uterine contraceptive device is an effective and safe method of contraception. It carries uncommon complications such as expulsion and pelvic infection.

Women with an intra-uterine device should immediately consult their doctors if they suspect they are pregnant, or have abnormal or severe abdominal pain, excessive menstrual flow or abnormal vaginal discharge, the department stressed.

It also reminded women inserted with all models of intra-uterine contraceptive device to attend checkups regularly.

For enquiries, call the department's hotlines, 2961 8839 and 2961 8740, or the association's hotline, 2919 7725.