Abstract

PIP: Requiring only one-time motivation, the IUD appears to be an ideal method for spacing child births. The author reports findings from a study in which 115 women were motivated to accept the use of the Copper-T (Cu-T) IUD within the first ten days post-partum. Cases with an history of premature membrane rupture, vaginal examination outside by unqualified personnel, ante- or post-partum hemorrhage, or any intrauterine manipulation were excluded from the study. IUD insertion was conducted in the cases shortly after they had undergone child delivery at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, India. 14 subjects were teenagers, 66 were aged 20-25 years, and 35 were aged 26-30 years. 60 were para one, 37 were para two, and 18 para three. 52 had their primary IUD insertions soon after delivery, while the rest were almost evenly distributed over the first post-partum week. The women were then followed up at one week, one month, and three months intervals. At the end of three months, 67% of cases had retained the Cu-T without appreciable symptoms. In 4.3% of cases, however, the Cu-T slid into the cervical canal. The Cu-T in these cases was removed and a fresh one installed. 6.1% of cases expelled the Cu-T unnoticeably and 22.6% of cases were lost to follow-up. The author concludes that despite the high rate of expulsion, post-partum insertion of Cu-T has a role in family planning in the rural setting where some women come to the hospital only for delivery. The need to take care in selecting appropriate acceptors is stressed.