Clinical Outcome of Postplacental Copper T 380A Insertion in Women Delivering by Caesarean Section

Conventional manual technique of post placental IUD insertion versus intra-cesarean post placental introducer withdrawal IUD insertion technique: a new standardized technique for IUD insertion during cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Inserting IUDs during cesarean section reduces the need for more manipulation and discomfort. The current conventional manual technique for IUD insertion during cesarean section is not standardized with many modifications and high rates of expulsion, displacement, missed threads, and discontinuation. This study aims to find a standard technique for IUD insertion during cesarean section with the least possible problems, especially displacement and missed threads.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study was conducted at Kasr Al-Ainy Maternity Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. The study was performed over 12 months, from September 2020 to September 2021. Two groups of patients were selected; each group included 420 patients with a desire for IUD insertion during cesarean section. Group (A) (Control group) was subjected to a post-placental intrauterine device (Copper T380) during cesarean section using a conventional manual method; Group (B) (Study group): the IUD (Copper T380) was placed at the top of the uterine fundus using a new technique (intra-cesarean post placental introducer withdrawal IUD insertion technique).

RESULTS

There was a significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding displacement of the IUDs at the end of puerperium, at 6 months, non-visibility of IUD threads, and continuation of use with p-value < 0.05. There was no significant statistical difference in the term of duration of surgery.

CONCLUSION

The new technique of post-placental IUD insertion can be the standard technique of intra-cesarean section IUD insertion as it is associated with more favorable outcomes among the included women in the form of lower incidence of IUD displacement, non-visibility of IUD threads, and higher rates of continuation without increasing the duration of surgery as compared with the conventional manual technique.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT05788354, registration date: 28/03/2023 (retrospectively registered).

A Meta-Analysis of Postpartum Copper IUD Continuation Rates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Background

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) initiated immediately postpartum can reduce unintended or mistimed pregnancies, and contribute to proper pregnancy spacing. Data on use and continuation of postpartum LARC in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is limited.

Methods

We searched PubMed, OVID, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, POPLINE, Global Health (CABI), and LILACS databases for relevant terms. Studies of any design, published in English, were screened for relevance based on six-month continuation rates of postpartum LARC, location of study, and LARC insertion within 48 hours after vaginal or cesarean birth. We found no relevant studies of implant or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). Therefore, analysis was limited to studies of the copper IUD only. Two authors used the Cochrane Public Health Group Data Extraction and Assessment Template to guide data extraction to estimate pooled six-month continuation rates, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies to rate the quality of the studies. A random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was performed.

Results

Immediate-postpartum copper IUDs have a six-month continuation rate of 87% (95% CI 80-92%) in LMIC. The pooled estimated rates of six-month adverse outcomes were 6% (95% CI 5-9%) for expulsion, 5% (95% CI 4-7%) for removal, and 0.2% (95% CI 0.0-0.9%) for infection.

Conclusions

High six-month continuation rates and a low rate of adverse outcomes suggest immediate postpartum copper IUD insertion is a feasible and acceptable postpartum contraceptive option for women living in LMIC.

Expulsion of intrauterine devices after postpartum placement by timing of placement, delivery type, and intrauterine device type: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To provide updated and more detailed pooled intrauterine device expulsion rates and expulsion risk estimates among women with postpartum intrauterine device placement by timing of insertion, delivery type, and intrauterine device type to inform current intrauterine device insertion practices in the United States.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov through June 2019.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included all studies, of any study design, that examined postpartum placement of Copper T380A (copper) or levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine devices that reported counts of expulsion.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

We evaluated intrauterine device expulsion among women receiving postpartum intrauterine devices in the "immediate" (within 10 minutes), "early inpatient" (>10 minutes to <72 hours), "early outpatient" (72 hours to <4 weeks), and interval (≥4 weeks) time periods after delivery. We assessed study quality using the US Preventive Services Task Force evidence grading system. We calculated pooled absolute rates of partial and complete intrauterine device expulsion separately and estimated adjusted relative risks by the timing of postpartum placement, delivery type, and intrauterine device type using log-binomial multivariable regression.

RESULTS

We identified 48 level I to II-3 studies of poor to good quality that reported a total of 7661 intrauterine device placements. Complete intrauterine device expulsion rates varied by timing of placement as follows: 10.2% (range, 0.0-26.7) for immediate; 13.2% (3.5-46.7) for early inpatient; 0% for early outpatient; and 1.8% (0.0-4.8) for interval placements. Complete intrauterine device expulsion rates also varied by delivery type: 14.8% (range, 4.8-43.1) for vaginal and 3.8% (0.0-21.1) for cesarean deliveries. Among immediate postpartum vaginal placements, the expulsion rate for levonorgetrel intrauterine devices was 27.4% (range, 18.8-45.2) and 12.4% (4.8-43.1) for copper intrauterine devices. Compared with interval placement, immediate and early postpartum placements (inpatient and outpatient combined) were associated with greater risk of complete expulsion (adjusted risk ratio, 8.33; 95% confidence interval, 4.32-16.08, and adjusted risk ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.56-10.85, respectively). Among immediate postpartum placements, risk of expulsion was greater for placement after vaginal compared with cesarean deliveries (adjusted risk ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 3.49-5.99). Among immediate placements at the time of vaginal delivery, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices were associated with a greater risk of expulsion compared with copper intrauterine devices (adjusted risk ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.65).

CONCLUSION

Although intrauterine device expulsion rates vary by timing of placement, type, and mode of delivery, intrauterine device insertion can take place at any time. Understanding the risk of intrauterine device expulsion at each time period will enable women to make an informed choice about when to initiate use of an intrauterine device in the postpartum period based on their own goals and preferences.

Progesterone vaginal ring as a new contraceptive option for lactating mothers: Evidence from a multicenter non-randomized comparative clinical trial in India

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate and compare contraceptive efficacy, safety, continuation rates and duration of lactational amenorrhea (LA) in married lactating women (20-35 years) using the progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) or Copper-T380A intrauterine device (IUD) during the first postpartum year.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a one-year multicenter, non-randomized, non-inferiority, open-label, comparative trial at 20 centers in India and compared efficacy, safety, continuation and LA plus feeding patterns and growth/well-being of participants' infants. Women used four 3-month PVRs consecutively (lost PVRs were not replaced) and were to breastfeed at least four times/day. We used Pearl Index (PI) and Kaplan Meier (K-M) rates to analyze pregnancy and K-M for continuation.

RESULTS

We enrolled 789 women (459 PVR, 330 IUD). Neither PI nor K-M one-year pregnancy rates differed significantly between groups (PI: PVR-0.62; IUD-0.35); (K-M: PVR-0.7; IUD-0.4, p = 0.58). Continuation rates at 12 months were 78.5% (IUD) vs. 56.9% (PVR) (p < 0.001). Ring expulsions and menorrhagia were the most common discontinuation among PVR/IUD users respectively. The median duration of LA among PVR vs. IUD users was 405 vs. 120 days (p < 0.001). Both groups reported similar adverse events (PVR: 24.2%; IUD: 23.0%); there were no serious adverse events among PVR users. Infants from both groups fed 12-7 times/day and grew at expected rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy and safety outcomes were comparable among women in both groups. Continuation rates for PVR, a woman-controlled method, were shorter than IUD rates while PVR users maintained LA significantly longer than IUD users. Infant breastfeeding and growth patterns/well-being were favorable in both groups.

IMPLICATIONS

PVR, a user-controlled device, offers an additional contraceptive choice for lactating women for one-year postpartum use and can help to address the unmet need for contraception among postpartum women while encouraging breastfeeding to enhance infant growth and well-being.

Post-placental Intrauterine Device Insertion Versus Delayed Intrauterine Device Insertion: An Observational Study

Abstract

Immediate post-placental IUD insertion is defined as IUD insertion within 10 min of the expulsion of the placenta. Although the expulsion rate in post-placental insertion is higher than interval insertion, the benefits of highly effective contraception immediately after delivery may outweigh the risks of expulsion.

Aims

To compare post-placental IUD (PPIUD) insertion with interval IUD insertion (IIUD) in terms of safety, effect on menstrual cycle, efficacy and satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

After meeting all eligibility criteria, the patients were asked to choose between post-placental IUD insertion and interval/delayed IUD insertion. In PPIUD group, insertion was done within 10 min of expulsion of placenta by hand technique. Individuals in IIUD group were asked to return after 6 weeks for IUD insertion by withdrawal technique. Both the groups were followed at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months by history, physical examination, per speculum examination and ultrasonography.

Observations

238 patients were allocated to PPIUD group and 273 to IIUD group. In the PPIUD group, there was no bleeding/spotting demonstrable as it was masked by the lochia. Mild pain at insertion was seen in only 11 patients in the PPIUD group. Slight bleeding/spotting was seen in 7.8% patients in the IIUD group, while mild to moderate pain was seen in 39.9% patients. At 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year follow up with regard to patients complaining of pelvic pain/dysmenorrhea, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Our study found that irregular bleeding or spotting was more in interval insertion than in the post-placental group. The difference in the two groups was statistically significant at 6 weeks and 6 months, but was not significant at 1 year. There was no case of perforation in either group. Our study found a statistically significant difference in expulsion after post-placental compared to delayed insertion. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.006) for cumulative expulsion. However, for interval expulsion rate, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.6). In our study, continuation rates appear to be higher in the PPIUD group, but the difference is not statistically significant.

Conclusion

PPIUD is a safe, easy and effective alternative to interval IUD insertion and qualifies to be popularized as a first-line contraceptive agent in eligible patients owing to its immediate and sustained contraceptive benefit, patient comfort, convenience and lower incidence of side effects.

Intrauterine Device Expulsion After Postpartum Placement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate expulsion rates among women with postpartum intrauterine device (IUD) placement by timing of insertion, IUD type, and delivery method.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1974 to May 2018.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We searched databases for any published studies that examined postpartum placement of a copper IUD or levonorgestrel intrauterine system and reported counts of expulsions. We assessed study quality using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force evidence grading system. We calculated pooled absolute rates of IUD expulsion and estimated adjusted relative risks (RRs) for timing of postpartum placement, delivery method, and IUD type using log-binomial multivariable regression model.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

We identified 48 level I to II-3 studies of poor to good quality. Pooled rates of expulsion varied by timing of IUD placement, ranging from 1.9% with interval placements (4 weeks postpartum or greater), 10.0% for immediate placements (10 minutes or less after placental delivery), and 29.7% for early placements (greater than 10 minutes to less than 4 weeks postpartum). Immediate and early postpartum placements were associated with increased risk of expulsion compared with interval placement (adjusted RR 7.63, 95% CI 4.31-13.51; adjusted RR 6.17, 95% CI 3.19-11.93, respectively). Postpartum placement less than 4 weeks after vaginal delivery was associated with an increased risk of expulsion compared with cesarean delivery (adjusted RR 5.19, 95% CI 3.85-6.99). Analysis of expulsion rates at less than 4 weeks postpartum also indicated that the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was associated with a higher risk of expulsion (adjusted RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.50-2.43) compared with CuT380A.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum IUD expulsion rates vary by timing of placement, delivery method, and IUD type. These results can aid in counseling women to make an informed choice about when to initiate their IUD and to help institutions implement postpartum contraception programs.

Safety and Efficacy of Intra-caesarean IUCD: A Prospective Study at a Tertiary Care Centre

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of postpartum IUCD in caesarean section patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 200 women, who gave informed consent for postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion during caesarean section from January 2013 to May 2014. These patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months.

Results

There were no major complaints in either group in post-operative period. At 6-month follow-up in PPIUCD users, 89.5% of patients continued to use this method. 5.5% were lost to follow-up, 2.5% had spontaneous expulsion, and 2.5% removed the IUCD due to various reasons. Eight per cent of patients who wanted removal of IUCD in the second follow-up were counselled to continue, and they did so.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that immediate intra-caesarean IUCD insertion appears to be a safe and effective method of contraception. The acceptability of intra-caesarean IUCD was high, and its continuation rate has demonstrated its safety.

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with lumbar anesthesia on Th1/Th2 in maternal patients and neonates undergoing caesarean section

The selection of anesthetic method and drugs is of utmost importance for patients undergoing caesarean section. The application of anesthetic drugs may affect the immune system of the maternal patient and neonate. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with lumbar anesthesia on type 1 T-helper cells (Th1) and Th2 cytokines in mothers and their neonates undergoing caesarean section. A total of 60 females with full-term pregnancies and an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II who received caesarean section were selected and equally divided in a randomized manner into a control group receiving lumbar epidural anesthesia and a combination group treated by dexmedetomidine combined with lumbar epidural anesthesia. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, adverse reactions, traction response and the neonates' Apgar score were compared between the two groups. The levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-4 and IL-10 in the blood of mothers and neonates were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and ELISA. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in the Apgar score between the two groups. The VAS scores, adverse reactions, reduced traction response, as well as IL-2 and TNF-α expression, in the mothers of the combination group were significantly decreased, while IL-4 and IL-10 were obviously elevated compared with those in the controls (P<0.05). Furthermore, IL-2 and TNF-α levels were markedly declined, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 expression was apparently enhanced in the neonates from the combination group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, dexmedetomidine in addition to lumbar epidural anesthesia reduces the VAS score, adverse reactions and traction response, and promotes the conversion of Th1 cytokines to Th2 cytokines in mothers/nonates after caesarean section.

One-year continuation of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device: findings from a retrospective cohort study in India

Objective

To evaluate outcomes of a national postpartum (within 48 h of delivery) copper intrauterine device placement (PPCuIUD) program in six “high-focus states” with high unmet family planning need in India.

Study design

We identified high-volume district hospitals that provided PPCuIUD in six (Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) Indian states (two per state). Each selected hospital maintained a list of PPCuIUD acceptors with contact phone numbers. We randomly selected 100 women at each site for inclusion in a telephone survey of IUD outcomes at 1 year. Questions regarded IUD expulsion, discontinuation because of symptoms (e.g., pain, bleeding, discharge), discontinuation for other reasons and use of alternative contraception if discontinuation reported.

Results

We could contact 844 of the 1200 randomly selected women, of whom 673 (79.7%) had postplacental insertion (within 10 min of delivery), while 171 (20.3%) had an early postpartum insertion (between 10 min to 48 h after delivery). Of those contacted, 530 women (62.8%) reported continuing with the method beyond 1 year, 63 (7.5%) reported having an expulsion, 163 (19.3%) reported having removals for associated side effects (bleeding, pain and discharge), and 88 (10.4%) reported having removals for other reasons. After removal or expulsion, almost half of the women (46.5%) did not switch to any other modern contraceptive method.

Conclusion

PPCuIUD continuation rate at 1 year was 62.8%. Most removals within 1 year were due to associated side effects. Almost half of the women discontinuing PPCuIUD did not switch to an alternative modern contraceptive method.

Implications

The 1-year continuation rate of PPCuIUD achieved through a large-scale national program in India is satisfactory. The program though needs to address the low uptake of other modern contraceptive methods after discontinuation.

Intrauterine Copper Device (CuT380A) as a Contraceptive Method in the Indian Context: Acceptability, Safety and Efficacy Depending on the Timing of Insertion

Background

Ideal time of Intrauterine copper device (IUCD) insertion either to space or limit births in Indian women should be known to check fertility effectively and safely. We therefore aimed to compare various IUCD related clinical factors to assess its acceptability, safety and efficacy in immediate postpartum vaginal insertion, intra-caesarean insertion, delayed postpartum insertion and interval insertion at a tertiary-care centre in India.

Methods

It was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from July 2013 to July 2014. Data was reviewed about maternal age, socioeconomic status, education, occupation and parity of a total of 1631 eligible mothers and was compared between postpartum group and interval group. Data about spontaneous expulsion rate of IUCD, proportion of patients not able to feel thread, reasons for removal and failure rate of IUCD up to a follow-up period of 6 months was also collected in these women and compared among immediate vaginal insertion, intra-caesarean insertion, delayed postpartum insertion and interval insertion.

Results

Majority of women were between 20 and 35 years of age group, literate, multiparous, unemployed and belonged to middle/lower socio-economic strata in both postpartum and interval groups. Spontaneous expulsion rates were 1.84, 0.84, 2.83 and 1.63%; proportions of patients not able to feel thread were 3.07, 8.73, 4.45 and 1.63%; and removal rates were 7.99, 6.48, 7.69 and 3.47% in immediate vaginal, intra-caesarean, delayed postpartum and interval insertion groups, respectively. Failure was seen in only one case of delayed postpartum insertion.

Conclusion

IUCD was more acceptable among young, literate and multiparous women as a contraceptive method. Immediate postpartum period was the safest and most efficacious time for IUCD insertion with least expulsion rate, maximum continuation rate and no failure and, therefore, should be encouraged by adequate counseling of mothers.

Visibility of Strings After Postplacental Intracesarean Insertion of CuT380A and Cu375 Intrauterine Contraceptive Device: A Randomized Comparative Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the incidence of visible strings after postplacental intracesarean insertion of Cu375 and CuT380A intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD).

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized comparative study. A total of 100 women fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent postplacental intracesarean insertion of either Cu375 IUD or CuT380A IUD. Women were followed up at 1, 6 weeks and 3 months after IUD insertion and were questioned about IUD expulsion or removal at each visit. The cervix was inspected to visualize the IUD strings. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test.

RESULTS

At 6-week follow-up, 97.9% women in group A versus 41.7% women in group B had strings visible at the cervical os and at 3 months 100% women in group A versus only 47.9% women in group B (p < 0.001) had visible strings of IUD.

CONCLUSION

Both Cu375 and CuT380A IUD are safe postpartum method of contraception but Cu375 if used for intracesarean IUD insertion increases the incidence of visible IUD strings. Hence, it avoids radiological investigations and invasive procedures at follow-up visits required to locate the IUD when strings are not visible. CTRI No. CTRI/2015/09/006221.

Insertion of intrauterine devices after cesarean section: a systematic review update

Background

Women who undergo a cesarean section (CS) are in a unique position to receive the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). They may also want to use the IUD as a long-acting reversible contraceptive method provided the IUD is safe and effective in the presence of a CS scar.

Search strategy

We researched and reviewed the MEDLINE, POPLINE, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from January 1968 to June 2015.

Selection criteria

Eligible studies reported event rates or practical problems relating to IUD usage in post-placental or interval insertion (>90 days) after CS. Studies with ≥20 subjects were included.

Data collection and analysis

Analysis of eligible data collected from the search followed the PRISMA guidelines.

Main results

Twelve eligible studies of post-placental IUD insertion after CS included four randomized controlled trials of post-placental versus delayed insertion. Women randomized to delayed insertion were less likely to receive a device. Six studies examined the problem of missing IUD threads at follow-up with only 30%–60% presence of strings observed.

Conclusion

The IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method that is suitable for use in all women undergoing CS. The problems of device expulsion, missing threads at follow-up, and the tendency of increased puerperal bleeding need to be solved. Solutions are proposed.

Tale of the Tails, the Missing Postpartum IUCD Strings

INTRODUCTION

Using an intrauterine device (IUD) is many times safer than pregnancy and more effective in preventing pregnancy than oral contraceptives, condoms, spermicidal, any barrier method, or natural family planning. Benefits of healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy are many. Postpartum contraception is becoming popular after introduction of PPIUCD services.

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence, management, clinical outcome of missing strings cases in post-placental and intra-cesarean IUCD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective observational study, carried out in the district of Balangir, Odisha, India. Status of women who had post-placental and intra-cesarean IUCD insertion in various institutions between January 2010 and December 2012 having follow-up as per the protocol was taken for the study. All the complications were recorded and studied. Incidence, clinical outcome, and management of missing strings were analyzed.

RESULTS

Records of 1343 clients were studied. Six hundred and seventeen cases had failed to report for follow-up as per the study design. Seven hundred and twenty-six cases had follow-up as per the protocol. Of them, 36 had expulsion, and rest 690 cases were taken for the study. There were 209 missing strings at 3 months. At the end of the study, there was spontaneous descend in 138 cases. More than 50 % cases were asymptomatic. Ultrasonography was the method of diagnosis, and simple sounding of the uterus alone could also establish IUD in uterine cavity. Removal rate was higher in missing strings group, Continuation rate is higher in String visible group.

CONCLUSION

Post-placental intra-cesarean Copper T 380A insertion is a safe and effective method of reversible contraception; missing string is emerging as a potential distracter of its use. It is important that every user must be followed up and the providers must be competent in managing complication. Better after care in form of effective follow-up and complication management is needed to maintain popularity. Introduction of compensation scheme will also help improving the acceptance.

Postpartum intrauterine device contraception: A review

AIM: To review the safety (infection, perforation) and efficacy (expulsion, continuation rates, pregnancy) of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion in the postpartum period.

METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies of IUD insertions at different times during the postpartum period. Time of insertion during the postpartum period was documented specifically, immediate post placenta period (within 10 min), early post placenta period (10 min to 72 h), and delayed/interval period (greater than 6 wk). Other study variables included mode of delivery, vaginal vs cesarean, manual vs use of ring forceps to insert the IUD.

RESULTS: IUD insertion in the immediate postpartum (within 10 min of placental delivery), early postpartum (10 min up to 72 h) and Interval/Delayed (6 wk onward) were found to be safe and efficacious. Expulsion rates were found to be highest in the immediate postpartum groups ranging from 14% to 27%. Immediate post placental insertion found to have expulsion rates that ranged from 3.6% to 16.2%. Expulsion rate was significantly higher after insertion following vaginal vs cesarean delivery. The rates of infection, perforation and unplanned pregnancy following postpartum IUD insertion are low. Method of insertion such as with ring forceps, by hand, or another placement method unique to the type of IUD did not show any significant difference in expulsion rates. Uterine perforations are highest in the delayed/interval IUD insertion groups.Breastfeeding duration and infant development are not affected by delayed/interval insertion of the non-hormonal (copper) IUD or the Levonorgestrel IUD. Timing of the Levonorgestrel IUD insertion may affect breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION: IUD insertion is safe and efficacious during the immediate postpartum, early postpartum and delayed postpartum periods. Expulsion rates are highest after vaginal delivery and when inserted during the immediate postpartum period. IUD associated infection rates were not increased by insertion during the postpartum period over interval insertion rates. There is no evidence that breastfeeding is negatively affected by postpartum insertion of copper or hormone-secreting IUD. Although perforation rates were higher when inserted after lactation was initiated. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the consequence of lactation on postpartum insertion. Despite the concerns regarding expulsion, perforation and breastfeeding, current evidence indicates that a favorable risk benefit ratio in support of postpartum IUD insertion. This may be particularly relevant for women for whom barriers exist in achieving desired pregnancy spacing.