How long do women use the intrauterine device in Jos Nigeria?

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptive devices are commonly used reversible methods of contraception in Jos, Nigeria. The TCu-380A has been recommended to be used for about 10-12 years, but common observation showed that this was not the case. This was a retrospective study of all patients having their previously inserted IUDs removed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Northern Nigeria, between January 1999 and December 2004. The mean (± SD) age and parity of the clients were 32.92 ± 6.89 years and 3.97 ± 2.21 respectively. All the women were married. The TCu-380A IUD was used most commonly (99.3%). The mean duration of the use of the IUD in the patients was 51.43 ± 51.02 months or 4.3 years. By the end of the first year, 25.6% of women had had the IUD removed, 71.4% by 5 years and 90.2% by 10 years. About 9.8% had kept the device beyond the expiration date of 10 years. The commonest indication for removal was the desire for pregnancy in 31.9% of the clients. The IUD was used mainly as a reversible method of contraception in this centre. It was used for a far shorter period than the recommended duration of 10-12 years. Effective counselling should be intensified so that alternate methods of contraception should be offered to women who will wish for early return of fertility.

Keywords: IUD, duration of use, indication for removal, TCu-380A, Jos-Nigeria

Journal of Medicine in the Tropics Vol. 7(2) 2005: 13-19