A retrospective study on efficacy and safety of copper T 380 A as a contraceptive method

Abstract

: The copper T intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is a widely used reversible contraceptive method all over the world today. They are effective and recommended for use up to 10 years. Intrauterine contraceptive device used as a spacing method in many couples. Some of the causes for removal include desire for pregnancy and sterilization etc. : To determine the efficacy of copper T(Cu T) 380 A as a contraceptive method. To determine the indications of discontinuation of Cu T 380 A. To identify the difficulties faced during removal in outpatient basis and cases which required removal under anaesthesia in operation theatre.: Retrospective analysis of Cu T removals done at Gandhi hospital, Secunderabad over 6 months duration, from December 2021 to May 2022. A total number of 128 cases were observed and included in this study.: Among the IUCD users, majority belonged to age group of 20 – 30 years. Most of the cases reported for removal came after 2-5 years of usage. Among them, most were referred from periphery in view of difficulty in removal, as Gandhi hospital is a tertiary care centre. Out of 128 cases of total Cu T removals, 68 cases(53.1%) were removed on outpatient basis, 60 cases (46.8%) were removed under anaesthesia. Major indication for removal was desire for pregnancy in 99 cases (77.3%), 26 (20.3%)cases were removed for sterilization, 1 (0.78%) case was removed for failure of contraception, 1 (0.78%)case for abnormal uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea, 1 (0.78%) case for uterine perforation.: Copper T is an effective, safe, long-lasting, convenient reversible contraceptive method with very few side effects. The information in this study may be useful to counsel women who are considering the IUCD as a contraceptive method and current users who are requesting for removal due to side effects.