Evaluation of postabortion IUD insertion in Egyptian women

Abstract 

This study was carried out at Alhussein University Hospital and Elmonera General Hospital to assess the safety and efficacy of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion immediately after spontaneous abortion compared with insertion 2 weeks after abortion. One hundred women between ages 18 and 40 years were recruited from those admitted via the emergency room with first trimester spontaneous abortion. All women were counseled about a method of contraception, particularly copper T-380, and divided into two groups: Group I, which included 69 women who preferred immediate IUD insertion, and Group II, which included 31 women who asked for late IUD insertion 2 weeks after an abortion. All women were followed at 2, 6, and 10 weeks after insertion of IUDs. Bleeding patterns were comparable in both groups. Mild bleeding occurred in 9.2% and 16% in Groups I and II, respectively; moderate bleeding occurred in 80% and 64%, respectively, and severe bleeding was observed in 10.8% and 20%, respectively. This was not significant. Expulsion rate was 4.5% and 3.4% in Groups I and II, respectively, which was also not significant. There were no cases of perforation or pelvic infections. This study showed that insertion of an IUD immediately after a spontaneous abortion is safe and could be offered to those who have had an abortion and who ask for a method of contraception.

Keywords:  Postabortion IUD, Immediate insertion, Late insertion, Bleeding pattern, Expulsation