Background: Immediate postplacental insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) during cesarean delivery could reduce a substantial barrier to access to long-term effective contraception. Initiating IUD use prior to discharge from the hospital postpartum eliminates a 6-week postpartum waiting period and an additional office visit.
Study design: This was a prospective cohort study of 90 patients undergoing cesarean delivery. After delivery of the placenta, a copper T380A IUD was inserted into the endometrial cavity through the incision. The study participants were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. This study was conducted at the Weiler Division of the Montefiore Medical Center and at the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, NY.
Results: Forty-three (48%) women returned for their 6-week follow-up visits, and among those, no expulsions were recorded. Forty-two (47%) women were reached for phone follow-up at 6 months postpartum, and 80% reported being "happy" or "very happy" with their IUD.
Conclusions: Immediate postplacental IUD insertion at the time of cesarean delivery is safe and acceptable.
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