Complications associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Nigeria

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is one of the reversible methods of contraception. Its use has increased steadily worldwide. However, some women reject it based on presumed complications associated with its use.Aim: To determine the complications reported by women, action taken on the complications and other associated factors in Orlu, Nigeria.Method: This is a cross-sectional study of 130 women who had IUCD insertions at the family planning clinics of Imo State University Teaching Hospital as well as its urban and rural practice centres (namely Anara Health Centre and Ogbaku Comprehensive Health Centre) both in Orlu Senatorial district between May 2008 and August 2008. Structured questionnaires were administered to consecutive women on follow-up visits at the Family Planning Clinics who are on IUCD. Information regarding age, parity, complications, reported action taken after the complication, clients' awareness of the availability of intrauterine device and duration of IUCD use were included in the questionnaires.Result: A total of 130 users were available for study. Heavy menstruation was reported by 50 (35.2%) women which was the commonest in this study; 65 (50%) did not do anything about whatever complication reported. The age range was 21-45years with a peak age group of 26-30 years. Majority of the clients 85 (65.4%) knew about IUCD from the hospital. More than half (46.2%) of the patients had between 2-5 children. The distribution of the duration of IUCD use showed that most of the clients had the IUCD for one year and less.Conclusions: IUCD is well accepted among users who still consider the benefit of reversible contraception more than the reported complication.Keywords: IUCD, Complications, Orlu Senatorial district