Publication:

Comparative evaluation of postpartum IUCD versus interval IUCD at a tertiary care centre in Allahabad, India

Background The use of Cu T in postpartum period can provide long term and effective contraception and this study compares PPIUCD versus interval IUCD.

Methods 300 women enrolled in the study were divided into two groups. Postpartum group-150; Postplacental or within 10 minutes/intracaesarean/within 48 hrs of delivery. Interval Group 150; after 6 weeks of delivery / postmenstrual. Cu T 380A was used in the study. Contraindication for PPIUCD were between 48 hrs and 6 wks postpartum, chorioaminionitis, PROM >18 hrs, unresolved PPH and puerperal sepsis. All were followed up for 6 months.

Results The continuation rate at 6 months was 81.81% in interval group and 88.23% in postpartum group. Complications occurred in 15.33% cases after PPIUCD and in 19.33% cases after interval IUCD. Expulsion rate was significantly higher in PPIUCD as compared to interval insertions (6.96% v/s 2.2%; p value <0.05). Removal rate of IUCD was almost similar in both the groups (4% in PPIUCD v/s 6.0% in interval).

Conclusions PPIUCD is an effective, safe, convenient, low cost and long term method of postpartum contraception irrespective of the mode of delivery.