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Expulsion rate of immediate versus early postpartum intrauterine device insertion after vaginal delivery: A cross sectional study

Jennifer Mary Joy V. Chiu, MD and Mildred D. Torres, MD, FPOGS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baguio General Hospital

Background: Progressively increasing population of the country leads to unmet needs for responsible parenthood. This is reflective to reproductive age women with unplanned pregnancies which may consequently lead to maternal morbidity and mortality and adverse perinatal outcomes. Provision of family planning methods is implemented. One of the temporary methods of Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUD). The effectiveness is similar to tubal sterilization with its perfect use. However, one of the drawbacks is dealing with its expulsion which affects its efficacy.

Objective: The study determined the expulsion rate between Immediate and Early postpartum IUD insertion after vaginal delivery. Expulsion rate was evaluated during the following periods: prior to discharge, after 4 weeks, after 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-insertion.

Methodology: This was an Observational Cross Sectional Study conducted for a year designed to collect data among patients who had IUD insertion after vaginal deliveries in a 6-month period of follow up. Sample size was computed using epi info 7.0. Finite Population Collection was derived to meet the population size available which resulted to 159 participants. Randomization was initiated to classify between immediate and early IUD insertion. Expulsion was observed during follow up at the family planning center of the institution

Results: This data showed no direct correlation in the expulsion rates between early and immediate postpartum IUD insertion. The expulsion rate was 6.25% for Immediate and 5.55% for Early IUD insertion respectively. There were no expulsion observed beyond 12 weeks post insertion. Relationship between early/immediate IUD insertion and expulsion rate was investigated using Chi square test.

Conclusion: Improved education and heightened awareness among reproductive aged women would initiate higher acceptance of IUD during postpartum period. Proper and improved technique of IUD insertion during postpartum period may decrease expulsion rate hence promoting better utilization of this family planning method.

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