Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD): socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors, acceptability and effectiveness in a teaching hospital in Nigeria.

This paper reports the socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors and their experience with intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Family Planning Clinic between January 1st, 1992 and December 31st, 1992. A total of 1,483 new contraceptive acceptors were seen at the Family Planning Clinic during the period of study of which 822 (55.4%) were first segment IUCD acceptors. The results (net cumulative rates) were expressed as percentage during the period of study. The rates were as follows: accidental pregnancy 1.3%, expulsion 5.1%, continuation 61.4%. The events leading to termination of IUCD use include; medical reasons 6.8%, planning pregnancy 5.2% and unspecified reasons 5.2%. It is concluded that IUCD is a safe and effective contraceptive with a high acceptability. The acceptability of IUCD can be increased by health education, good clinical management, sympathetic counselling, careful client selection, careful insertion, and regular follow-up with quick access to medical care.