Trend in the use of intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD ,TCU 380A), in Enugu, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the acceptance rate and trend of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) use in Enugu, Nigeria

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A review of all new acceptors of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) over a nine year period (1999-2007).

RESULTS

A total of 133,375 clients were seen at the UNTH family planning clinic between 1999 and 2007. Out of 6,947 users of IUCD, during the period, 1,659 were new acceptors. The IUCD acceptance rate was 5.21%. Majority of the clients (29.7%) were aged 40 years and above. Eight hundred and forty seven (51.4%) had attained post secondary education. Majority of the clients (99.4%) were married . Twenty-six percent (26.0%) had completed their desired family size. Majority 1,359 (82.4%) did not use any method contraception prior to IUCD insertion. The commonest complication was menorrhagia (5.8%) and this was responsible for removal in 3.0% of cases. Eight (0.5%) and nine (0.6%) requested for removal for fear of causing cancer and migration to the brain or heart respectively. Two (0.1%) became pregnant while having the IUCD in-situ. Majority of the clients (50.5%) had the knowledge of lUCD through friends.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that IUCD (TCU 380A) is both safe and effective in Enugu, Nigeria. Its use is for both child spacing and limiting family size.