Intraoperative insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device at cesarean section: A survey on the experiences of trainee and practicing obstetricians

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) placement during cesarean section has been shown to be a safe and effective method of contraception with very low complication and disuse following insertion. Its practice can be of immense benefit, especially in developing countries like Nigeria where high unmet needs for contraception and increasing cesarean section rates are prevalent. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the practice of obstetricians and trainees on counseling and insertion of IUCD during cesarean section. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among obstetricians and trainees at the 49th Annual Scientific Conference of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria held in November 2015. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20. Results: Of 150 respondents, 134 returned completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 89.3%, 130 of these were adjudged to be correctly filled and were analyzed. Majority of the respondents, 97 (74.6%), were consultants. The mean age of the respondents was 42.01 years ± 7.00. About 95% (125) of the respondents admitted performing cesarean sections, but only 13 (10%) had ever inserted IUCD during cesarean operations. Counseling for the procedure was also low, as only 35 (26.9%) of the respondents had ever counseled the clients toward IUCD placement at cesarean section. Conclusion: For counseling and practice of insertion of IUCD at cesarean section is very low among Nigerian obstetricians, revealing a major barrier to clients' access to this effective and safe method of contraception. Advocacy, education, and training of this category of health-care providers are necessary for improved contraceptive access to cesarean section clients.