Factors associated with postpartum intrauterine device

Postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) use refers to intrauterine device (IUD) insertion after delivery but within 48 hours of birth. In Uganda the general use of modern methods of contraception is thirty percent with 0.5% of the women adopting the IUD as a method of contraception. The total unmet family planning need in Uganda is reported high at 34%. This is even higher among postpartum women at 80%. Among married women with unmet FP need, commonly cited reasons for not using contraceptives include breastfeeding or having recently given birth (29%) and fear of side effects (36%). An important limiting factor to increased uptake of immediate postpartum IUD insertion may be due to its expulsion rates which range from as low as 5% to as high as 70%. The factors associated with expulsion of postpartum IUD in this setting are unknown.