Postpartum Intrauterine Device: Use and Follow-Up of Users in the Maternity Ward of the Ratoma Communal Medical Center in Conakry, Guinea

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the use of the postpartum intrauterine device in the maternity ward of the Ratoma communal medical center in Conakry.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between July 1 st 2015 and June 30 2016, i.e. a duration of one year.Results: A total of 551 patients received advice on various contraceptive methods.Most of this advice was given in the post-partum period (40.2%) and during antenatal care (39.1%).Of the patients advised, 87 (15.8%) used the intrauterine device.The majority of users (93%) were married and uneducated (63.2%), and 39.1% were poor.The majority (56.3%) of intra-uterine devices were inserted in the immediate post-partum period.The majority of women had no adverse events either during the first six weeks (n = 57; 65.5%) or at 3 rd months (n = 75; 86.2%) or 6 th months (n = 76; 87.4%) after IUD insertion.Most users remained complication-free throughout the follow-up period (n = 76; 87.4% at 6 th weeks and 3 rd months, and n = 77; 88.5% at 6 th months).The continuation rate was 89.7% at 6 weeks and 3 rd months, and 87.4% at 6 th months after insertion.The majority of users (87.0%) were satisfied with the care they received.Conclusion: This study showed very few complications among intrauterine device users, and high continuation and satisfaction rates.The intrauterine device is a long-acting, effective, reversible and safe contraceptive that can be used by most women for birth spacing in Guinea, where women do not regularly visit health facilities.