Researchers conducted this study to determine the IUD discontinuation rate and its causes and related factors among women attending UNRWA health centers in Jordan.
The present study consisted of 371 women who had an IUD inserted and were interviewed during their visits to the health centers. The primary outcome measure was IUD discontinuation.
The incidence of IUD discontinuation in the first year following insertion was 17.5%. Approximately 32% of the study sample continued using their devices after five years. The average duration of IUD use was 36 months. Of the 371 women, 39.6% discontinued IUD use because of a desire to conceive, 18.6% because of side effects, 4.9% because they were sexually inactive, and 1.6% because of opposition from the woman’s family. The most common side effects reported as reasons for discontinuation were bleeding, infection, and pain. Discontinuation was inversely related to the current age, marital age, and the number of living children. Previous contraceptive users and women with obstetric complications were significantly less likely to discontinue IUD use outside camp residents.
The crude cumulative rate of IUD discontinuation was 17.5% during the first year, suggesting a need to tackle the problem of discontinuation through effective educational strategies on the process of fertility and contraception. The most common reason for voluntary IUD removal was the women’s desire to conceive. This suggests that improved counseling and a good selection of candidates before IUD insertion is required.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/32/3/161
