Efficacy and Safety of Copper T 380 A as a Contraceptive Method: A Retrospective Study

Background: The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) after nearly four decades of use is generally recognized as an effective safe economical and useful form of birth control. Its acceptance is worldwide in the developed as well as developing countries. Some of the causes for removal include desire for pregnancy and sterilization etc. Aims of this study: to determine the efficacy of copper T(Cu T) 380A as a contraceptive method, determine the indications of discontinuation of Cu T 380A and identify the difficulties faced during removal in outpatient basis and cases which required removal under anaesthesia in operation theatre. Methods: This Retrospective analysis of Cu T removals was done in Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal from January 2017 to December 2017. A total number of 256 cases were observed and included in this study. Results: 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. Out of 256 cases of total Cu T removals, 136 cases(53.1%) were removed on outpatient basis, 120 cases (46.8%) were removed under anaesthesia. Major indication for removal was desire for pregnancy in 198 cases (77.3%), 52 (20.3%) cases were removed for sterilization, 2 (0.78%) case was removed for failure of contraception, 2 (0.78%)case for abnormal uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea, 2 (0.78%) case for uterine perforation. Conclusion: 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.