A clinical trial of the Delta-T intrauterine device: immediate postpartum insertion

Abstract

The Copper T-220C intrauterine device was modified for use in early postpartum insertions. Biodegradable extensions consisting of No. 2 chromic suture were added to the horizontal arms of the device to enhance retention. This new device, Delta-T IUD, was inserted in 100 patients within 55 hours of the delivery of the placenta. No uterine perforations or cervical lacerations occurred in this study. There was one accidental pregnancy 4 months following the IUD insertion. Seven IUDs were removed for bleeding and pain. There was one case of postpartum endometritis. Seventeen IUD expulsions occurred. Expulsions were more frequent at the beginning of the study and when the IUD was inserted more than 30 minutes after delivery of the placenta. The immediate postpartum insertion of IUDs with the event rates observed in this study is acceptable in situations where alternatives for other family planning modalities or interval insertion of intrauterine devices are not feasible.

PIP: The Copper T-220C IUD was modified for early use in postpartum insertion. Biodegradable extensions consisting of No. 2 chronic sutures were added to the horizontal arms of the device to enhance retention. This new device, Delta-T, was inserted in 100 patients within 55 hours of delivery of the placenta. No uterine perforations or cervical lacerations occurred during this study. There was 1 accidental pregnancy 4 months following IUD insertion. 7 IUDs were removed for bleeding and pain. There was 1 case of postpartum endometritis. 17 IUD expulsions occurred. Expulsions were more frequent at the beginning of the study and when the IUD was inserted more than 30 minutes after delivery of the placenta. The immediate postpartum IUD insertion with the event rates observed in this study is acceptable in situations where alternatives for other family planning modalities or interval insertion of IUDs are not feasible.