An evaluation of the copper-T 380A IUD's safety and efficacy at three African centers

The use of intrauterine devices in Africa is low compared with other contraceptive methods such as oral contraceptives. This study, coordinated by Family Health International, evaluated the clinical performance (safety and efficacy) of the TCu 380A IUD in three African centers, respectively, in Cameroon, Egypt, and Nigeria from 1986-1989. The 12-month unintended pregnancy rates were low for all three centers, ranging from none to 1.6 per 100 women. The 12-month discontinuation rates for all reasons ranged from 8.8 to 26.9 per 100 women. Statistically significant differences were observed among clinics for discontinuation rates for bleeding and/or pain and for planned pregnancy. The overall performance of the TCu 380A IUDs was considered satisfactory. Thus, the limited use of IUD in Africa could be due to the lack of accessibility, lack of information about, and confidence in the method rather than to documented clinical performance.