Routine provision of intrauterine contraception at elective cesarean section in a national public health service: a...

We conducted a prospective health service evaluation to assess the feasibility and acceptability of routinely offering insertion of intrauterine contraception at cesarean section in a maternity setting in the UK.

One month before scheduled cesarean section, women were sent information about postpartum contraception including the option of insertion of an intrauterine contraception at cesarean. Women choosing intrauterine contraception (copper intrauterine device or levonorgestrel intrauterine system) were followed up in person at six weeks, and telephone contact was made at three, six and 12 months postpartum. Our main outcome measures were uptake of intrauterine contraception and complications by six weeks. Secondary outcomes were continuation and satisfaction with intrauterine contraception at 12 months.

120/877 women opted to have intrauterine contraception (13.7%), of which 114 were fitted. By six weeks, there were seven expulsions (6.1%). The expulsion rate by one year was 8.8%. There were no cases of uterine perforations and one case of infection (0.8%). Follow-up rates were 82.5% at 12 months, and continuation rates with intrauterine contraception at 12 months were 84.8% of those contacted. At 12 months, 92.7% of respondents asked were either 'very' or 'fairly' happy with their intrauterine contraception.

Routine provision of intrauterine contraception at elective cesarean for women in a public maternity service is feasible and acceptable to women. It is associated with good uptake and good continuation rates for the first year. This could be an important strategy to increase use of intrauterine contraception and prevent short inter-pregnancy intervals and unintended pregnancies.