The Experiences of Women Who Have Used Intrauterine Devices for a Long Time

The intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective and reversible contraceptive method that provides long-term protection. This study aims to analyze the experiences of women who exceeded their IUD use period. This study was conducted employing the phenomenological method, a qualitative research approach. This study was conducted with a sample of 15 women who applied to the Family Planning Outpatient Clinic of a hospital in Istanbul between February 2024 and April 2024 and used IUDs for at least 11 years. Interviews were conducted individually using the semi-structured in-depth interview technique. The data were analyzed with a descriptive analysis technique using the MAXQDA Plus Program. Based on women's experiences of exceeding the recommended duration of IUD use, three main themes were identified. These themes were: 1-Locking from anxiety to fear, 2-continuity of reliability, and 3-from attachment to neglect. This study concluded that women's prolonged IUD use was associated with negative experiences, insufficient information, and inadequate health care services.