Use of the intrauterine device by inner-city women

To examine the use, effectiveness, acceptability, and continuation rates of the copper T 380 A intrauterine device (IUD) among women attending an inner-city family planning clinic.

A 1-year prospective cohort study.

The family planning clinic of Grady Memorial Hospital, which serves the inner-city indigent population of Fulton and Dekalb counties in metropolitan Atlanta, Ga.

A total of 115 women with 1 or more live births who were in a mutually monogamous relationship for the previous year had the copper T 380 A IUD inserted between December 20, 1990, and June 28, 1991.

Follow-up, consisting of history and a pelvic examination, was done 2, 6, and 12 months after IUD insertion to determine the status of the IUD and to detect any complications related to its use. At the end of the study, the continuation rates, reasons for removal, and complications related to IUD use were assessed.

Thirty-seven women were unavailable for follow-up. Eight of those were seen in other clinics at Grady Memorial Hospital, but no mention was made of their IUD status. Fifty-six of the remaining 78 women were known to continue IUD use without any complications at the end of the 12 months. Among the 22 women known to have the IUD removed, 8 women cited no problems. Pelvic pain, menometrorrhagia, desire for permanent sterilization, and expulsion of the device were mentioned as reasons for other IUD removals. Pelvic inflammatory disease was not documented in any of the patients during the year of follow-up.

With proper screening and counseling, the IUD may be used successfully in selected patients in inner-city family planning clinics.