Efficacy and safety of Post-Partum Intrauterine Contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion-A prospective study

Introduction: Significantly increased institutional deliveries in India provide an opportune time for offering postpartum family planning services to the women. Although the available contraceptive methods are many, need of a single efficacious, feasible and cost effective method is desirable especially in a low resource country like India. This study was done to evaluate the acceptance, efficacy and safety of intrauterine contraceptive device as an immediate family planning method following delivery, and the complications associated with it. Materials and Method: A total of 115 women who underwent PPIUCD insertion were followed up at 1, 3 & 6 weeks and at 3 & 6 months post-partum. Outcome in terms of side effects, removal and expulsion was noted and compared in vaginal delivery and caesarean section insertions. Results: Out of 280 women who were counselled, only 115 women (41.07%) accepted the PPIUCD insertion. Insertion in literate women was high and extremely statistically significant (P<0.0001) as compared to illiterate women. Expulsion rate was 17.85%. There was no expulsion in intracaesarean PPIUCD insertion which is statistically significant (P < 0.01) as compared to postplacental insertion. Excessive discharge (26.09%), missing strings (5.22%) and menorrhagia (4.35%) were minor complications.3 women (2.61%) had failure of PPIUCD at 6 months follow up. Conclusion: PPIUCD is a safe and efficacious family planning method after vaginal as well as caesarean delivery.