Postpartum IUD insertions in Manila, Philippines

Abstract

In comparative IUD trials conducted in the Philippines, IUDs were inserted immediately postpartum (within ten minutes postplacenta). The first study was designed to compare the IPCS-52 mg (Intrauterine Progestasert Contraceptive System) IUD with the TCu200 when inserted either by hand or with an inserter. Follow-up continued for three years because the IPCS model was designed to release progesterone for this length of time. There was one suspected pregnancy for which the IUD was removed during the study period. The expulsion rates were higher in the IPCS groups than in the TCu groups (p less than or equal to 0.05) and they were higher in the hand insertion groups than in the inserter groups (p less than or equal to 0.05). The second study was a comparison of the Lippes Loop D and a Delta Loop, modified by the addition of three biodegradable suture projections (made of Ethicon #2 chromic material) on the upper arms of the device. The purpose of this modification was to lower the expulsion rates associated with postpartum insertions. The expulsion rates for these two devices were comparable. There were no difficulties during insertion in either study, and few complaints were reported at follow-up. These two studies demonstrated that immediate postpartum IUD insertion proved a safe, effective means of postpartum contraception.