Use of copper intrauterine devices in the immediate postpartum period: a prospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES

to evaluate the insertion of the copper Intrauterine Device in the immediate postpartum period, considering side effects, pain intensity, information received, partner involvement, satisfaction, expulsion rate, and continued use.

METHODS

a prospective longitudinal study involving 117 women who had a copper Intrauterine Device inserted in the immediate postpartum period at a public maternity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected in the rooming-in unit through an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

a significant portion of the women did not receive information about advantages (31.8%) or side effects (42.4%). After six months, 37.5% had discontinued use due to expulsion (9.4%) or removal (28.1%). Side effects were reported by 60% of the women. Despite high satisfaction rates (85.3% at insertion and 75.0% at six months), the majority (60%) expressed a desire for a different contraceptive method.

CONCLUSIONS

inadequate reproductive counseling may affect the continued use of intrauterine devices and influence contraceptive choices in the postpartum period.