ABSTRACT
Objective: IUD is a highly effective, safe, private, long-acting, and rapidly reversible method of contraception with few side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the continuation rate and cause of IUD discontinuation in Isfahan, Iran
Materials and methods: This historical Cohort study was carried out on 12 randomly selected health centers of Isfahan province in 2007. 244 literate married reproductive aged women [15-49 years old] who had chosen IUD as a contraceptive method in 2002 enrolled the study by census sampling. After explaining the aim of study and taking informed consent, women completed the questionnaire for demographic characteristics, menstrual characteristics before and after IUD insertion and cause of IUD discontinuation. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11 software, descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analysis
Results: Continuation rates at the end of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years were 100, 92, 87, 76, 66 and 65 per 100, respectively. Since 2001-2007, 60% [146] preserved and 40% [98] removed their IUD. 27.6% [27] discontinued IUD use due to occurring medical problems that the most common cause was infection [29.6%]. 72.4% [71] had voluntary IUD removal and the most common cause was tendency to planned pregnancy [38%]
Conclusion: These findings indicate that health care providers should give more emphasis to counseling programs for women desiring IUD insertion