Prevalence of Complications after Interval Postpartum Intrauterine Device Insertion
Saba Abbas, Sadia Anwar, Kalsoom Essa Bhattani, Zubaida Khanum Wazir, Rubina Babar
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ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) is a reversible, long-term and effective technique
of contraception. The intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted within 48 hours of delivery. The immediate insertion of
an intrauterine device causes certain complications. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of
complications after Interval Postpartum Intrauterine Device Insertion.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 147 women who underwent postpartum
IUD (PPIUD) insertions during from January 2021 to June 2021 at Gynecology department, Mufti Mehmood
Memorial Teaching Hospital (MMMTH), Dera Ismail Khan and Muhammad Teaching Hospital Peshawar. All the
women who delivered and showed willingness for PPIUCD insertion were enrolled and continuously follow-up for
4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Demographic, obstetric, and clinical parameters were recorded on pre-designed
medical proforma. PPIUCD insertion after 6 weeks of delivery were followed-up for the evaluation of
complications. Uterine infection, medical removal of IUD, IUD expulsion, perforation, and method discontinuation
were the outcome variables. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.
Results: Of the total deliveries, 147 women inserted the postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD).
Of the total, about 122 (83%) women returned for follow-up after 6 weeks. All the women underwent transvaginal
insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices. The PPIUCD insertion related complications with prevalence were
uterine infection 26 (21.3%), overall method suspension 17 (13.9%), perforation 20 (16.4%), interceptive uterine
device expulsions 25 (20.5%), and intrauterine device removal 32 (26.2%). The severe uterine infection was in 2
(1.7%) cases who were hospitalized.
Conclusion: The postpartum intrauterine device cumulative expulsion rate was higher among women compared
to the expulsion rate of insertions. The longer duration of bloody lochia flow and delivery intrauterine device
insertions were the key risk factors for expulsion of PPIUCD. Women can safely utilize intrauterine contraceptive
devices with low complications beyond four week.
Keywords: Postpartum intrauterine device; Complications; Intrauterine device expulsion