THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INSERTION OF IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE (IPP-IUCD) IN TERMS OF MODES OF DELIVERY

BACKGROUND: Family planning helps couples to attain their desired number of children and proper timings of their births (1). It is best achieved with different contraceptive methods. Immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (IPPIUCD) is an excellent contraception providing safe, effective and long term reversible contraception in women after both normal delivery and c/section(2). It reduces postpartum undesired pregnancies and thus induced abortions (3). It is coitus independent, easy to insert and does not affect breastfeeding. Both care provider and client are available in the same setting, securing time and cost of interval IUD insertion. PPIUCD is associated with primary complications like pregnancy and secondary ones as irregular vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, infection, expulsion and uterine perforation. PPIUCD counselling services regarding its common side effects and complications are important. There is minimal research comparing follow up outcomes between vaginal and caesarean insertions. The objective of study is to compare outcomes of IPPIUCD as a factor of route of insertion. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study 200 patients in whom postpartum IUCD was inserted within 10 minutes of delivery of placenta after normal vaginal delivery or c/section were included. About first 100 cases of vaginal and first 100 cases of intra-cesarean PPIUCD insertions formed study groups. Record of clients was maintained and analysis at 6 weeks to 12 weeks post insertion follow up visit was done at gynae and obstetric unit of Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. RESULTS: Of total 1005 IPPIUCD inserted during the study period, about 156( 15.5%) were inserted intra-cesarean and 849 (84.4%) after vaginal delivery. Follow up of 200 (19.9%) clients i.e. about 100 intra-cesarean and 100 vaginal insertions was recorded. Complications rate was low. No life threatening complication such as perforation was recorded. Most common complications observed between vaginal vs intra-cesarean insertions were irregular vaginal bleeding in (11% vs 5%), abdominal pain(6% vs 9%), vaginal discharge(8% vs 5%),spontaneous expulsions (8% vs 2%) and lost strings (14% vs 1%). Statistically significant difference was found between two groups with respect to lost strings (P=0.0006). CONCLUSION: IPPIUCD is an acceptable, safe (in terms of complications) and effective contraceptive option after both vaginal and intra-cesarean insertions. Early follow up examinations are helpful in identifying spontaneous expulsions and dealing common problem.