Métodos anticonceptivos en el puerperio mediato

OBJECTIVE: Determine the contraceptive methods and clinical characteristics of patients in the immediate postpartum period admitted to the maternity ward of the hospital in Chiquimula, Guatemala. METHOD: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted at the Hospital of Chiquimula between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. A total of 658 clinical records of patients admitted to the maternity service who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent chose to initiate the lactational amenorrhea method, 17% selected Jadelle, and 14% opted for surgical sterilization. Additionally, 10% chose condoms, 6% combined oral contraceptives, 5% injections, and 3% intrauterine device. Regarding characteristics, 30% were aged between 21 and 26 years, 59% lived in common-law unions, 66% came from rural areas, and 49% had a primary education level. Among gynecological-obstetric history, 41% were primigravidas, 69% had vaginal delivery, and 76% had no prior contraceptive use. Fifty-one percent underwent a Pap smear, and 78% had no family history of cancer. The most frequent diseases were vaginosis (37%), urinary tract infections (34%), and hypertension (17%). Eighty-four percent did not present complications at the start of the contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: There was a predominant preference for non-hormonal contraceptive methods. The patients were mostly young, from rural areas, primigravidas, and without prior contraceptive use. Tolerance to the methods was adequate, with a low incidence of complications.