Comparison of clinical outcomes following CuT-380A insertion in postplacental period with interval insertion

Abstract

Background: Postplacental intra-uterine device has many benefits like providing contraception immediately after childbirth, non-interference with lactation and high efficacy. However, concerns about its safety have led to decreased use of this method of contraception. Hence, this study aims to compare the complication rates following insertion of immediate postplacental IUCD (PPIUCD) with interval insertion.Methods: This is a prospective study conducted under the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in PGIMER, Chandigarh. 196 women were included in the study. Women were divided in two groups, those who were inserted with immediate postplacental IUCD versus those who had IUCD insertion in interval period. The two groups were followed up for a period of 6 months and complications were recorded. The PPIUCD group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups based on mode of delivery, vaginal delivery and caesarean section. These PPIUCD subgroups were also compared.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of pelvic pain, infection, abnormal uterine bleeding and expulsion between the PPIUCD and interval group. However, when the PPIUCD subgroups were compared, it was seen that no woman in caesarean section subgroup had expulsion of IUCD whereas 9.8% women had expulsion in the vaginal delivery PPIUCD subgroup.Conclusions: Postplacental and interval IUCD seem to be comparable for the incidence of various complications. However, intra-caesarean PPIUCD insertion seems to have a much lower expulsion rate as compared to vaginal delivery PPIUCD insertion.