FREQUENCY OF INFECTION WITH POSTPARTUM INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of Infection with Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive. 

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Study Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, MNCH SSH, Faisalabad.

Study Duration: Six months (October’2023 to March’2024)

Methodology:   A total of 369 healthy postpartum women aged 18–40 years who underwent PPIUCD insertion were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Exclusion criteria included preterm delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, uterine anomalies, ectopic pregnancy, or postpartum hemorrhage. PPIUCD was inserted post-placentally or during cesarean section using a sterile no-touch technique. Follow-up was conducted at six weeks to assess clinical signs of infection, including foul-smelling discharge and fever ≥38°C.

Results:  The mean age of participants was 28.53 ± 6.98 years; most (57.7%) were aged 18–30 years. Mean gestational age was 38.46 ± 1.15 weeks. Majority had secondary education (57.2%), belonged to the lower socioeconomic class (49.6%), and had parity of two (40.4%). Spontaneous vaginal delivery was observed in 58%, and 55% had BMI ≥25. The overall frequency of infection was 8.1%. No statistically significant associations were observed between infection and age, gestational age, education, SES, parity, mode of delivery, or BMI. However, infection was significantly associated with foul-smelling discharge and fever (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:   PPIUCD is a safe and effective method of contraception with a relatively low infection rate in the immediate postpartum period. Infection risk is more closely linked to symptomatic clinical indicators than to demographic or obstetric variables. Strengthening follow-up and counseling may enhance safety and acceptance of this method