Tolerability of The Copper- T Intrauterine Device by Acceptors at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, North-Central Nigeria

Background: The Copper-T (Cu-T) Intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the oldest and most reliable forms of contraception. Its widespread use has been limited by side effects, such as heavy menstrual flow and pain on insertion. Findings suggest that the intrauterine device acts more as a contraceptive than an abortifacient, thus improving its acceptability.

Objectives: To determine the proportion of women using Cu-T IUD, who will develop side effects during the study period; Outline experienced side effects of Cu-T; and ascertain the discontinuation rate and reasons for removal.

Methods: The intrauterine device used for this study is Copper T380A.

A descriptive cohort study, of women using Cu-T IUD at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria. A structured proforma was used to extract data from family planning records. Study duration was one year. (Jan-Dec 2007).

Results: A total of 103 women participated in the study. The average age of the respondents was 30.75 ± 5.90 years, with a range of 20-47 years. Only a few (17.5%) of the respondents had side effects or complications, The commonest side effect was vaginal discharge and abnormal cessation of menstrual flow (5.8%) respectively. Other side effects documented were painful period (2.9%) and abdominal pain (1%). Only 5.8% (n=6) discontinued the Cu-T IUD, due to side effects. The commonest reason for discontinuation was abdominal pain, 1.97% (n=2), although only one client had initially reported abdominal pain as an adverse effect. There was a significant relationship between development of side effects and discontinuation. (p <0.01).

Conclusion: Only a few of the women using Cu-T IUD developed side effects, and discontinuation rate was quite low. Patients who discontinued usage did so because of side effects and husband’s request. Limitations of this study include the short duration of follow up.

Public health education should be done to enlighten Nigerian women on this method of contraception which seems quite tolerable and reliable, with the aim of increasing its uptake.