FIGO position statement on postpartum intrauterine devices (PPIUD).

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Global Public Health

Background:

• Over 218 million women globally face unmet family planning needs, primarily in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Short inter-pregnancy intervals increase maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality risks.
• Rising institutional birth rates present opportunities for postpartum family planning (PPFP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of postpartum contraception in addressing unmet family planning needs.
• To advocate for the integration of immediate postpartum family planning (PPFP), specifically the postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD), into routine maternity care.
• To identify barriers and propose strategies for successful PPIUD implementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and global health initiatives concerning postpartum contraception.
• Analysis of the benefits and challenges associated with the postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD).
• Examination of strategies for integrating PPFP services into existing healthcare systems.

Main Results:

• The postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) is a safe, cost-effective, non-hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) with a low failure rate.
• Barriers to PPIUD include fragmented services, provider bias, misconceptions, and supply chain issues.
• Successful implementation requires task sharing, community engagement, and comprehensive counseling.

Conclusions:

• Integrating PPFP, including PPIUD, into routine maternity care is essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes in LMICs.
• Addressing implementation barriers through strategic interventions can enhance access to and uptake of postpartum contraception.
• Empowering women with informed reproductive choices through PPFP contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).