Immediate postpartum intrauterine device and implant program outcomes: a prospective analysis

Epidemiological profile and effectiveness of immediate postpartum contraception in Brazilian women

Purpose

To determine the epidemiological profile of women who inserted copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel implant (ENG), tubal ligation (TL), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or did not choose a contraceptive method (NCM) in the immediate postpartum period and compare the contraceptive effectiveness of Cu-IUD and DPMA with non-MAC.

Methods

We analyzed the epidemiological profile of women who inserted copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel implant (ENG), tubal ligation (TL), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or did not choose a contraceptive method (NCM) in the immediate postpartum. The data was collected by electronic medical records of postpartum women assisted at the University Hospital of São Bernardo do Campo (HMU-SBC) from January 2016 to December 2020. Also, we compared the contraceptive effectiveness of Cu-IUD and DPMA with non-MAC by identifying women who returned for second delivery during the study period and analyzing the contraceptive method chosen in the first hospitalization. Then the pregnancies interval and the sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed according to contraceptive method type.

Results

Data from 20,896 women were collected, of which 8,183 (39%) opted for Cu-IUD, 559 (2.5%) DPMA, and 10,989 (52.5%) chose not to use contraception at the time of hospital discharge. When comparing these groups, women in the DPMA were younger (26.5 ± 7.3, p < 0.05), and NCM showed women with a lower number of pregnancies (2.2 ± 1.3, p < 0.05). Subjects in the TL group (4.6%) had the higher number of pregnancies (3.8 ± 1.2, p < 0.05), and ENG group, the highest number of miscarriages (1.6 ± 1.3, p < 0.05). Of those women who returned pregnant, 5.5% belonged to the DPMA group, 6% to the NCM group, and 2.3% to the Cu-IUD.

Conclusions

Women who opted for Cu-IUD insertion were younger, had more pregnancies and vaginal delivery when compared to those who did not choose a method. Of those women who returned, the minority opted for Cu-IUD compared to those that opted for DPMA or no method.

Utilisation, effectiveness, and safety of immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective contraception. IUDs inserted directly following delivery provide immediate birth control and may decrease unintended pregnancies, including short-interval pregnancies, thereby mitigating health risks and associated economic burden.

METHODS

This systematic literature review included published global data on the utilisation, effectiveness, and safety of postpartum intrauterine devices (PPIUDs) of any type. English language articles indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from January 2010-October 2021 were included.

RESULTS

133 articles met the inclusion criteria (46% interventional studies; 54% observational; n=87 from lower-income countries; n=46 from higher-income countries). PPIUD use was low in higher-income countries (6/10 000 US deliveries in 2013-2016) and varied widely in lower-income countries (2%-46%). Across both higher- and lower-income countries, in most studies (79%), >80% of women with PPIUDs had an IUD in place by 3 months; at 6 and 12 months, 76% and 54% of included studies reported that >80% of women had an IUD in place; reason for discontinuation was infrequently reported. Pregnancies were rare (96 pregnancies across 12 191 women from 37 studies reporting data) and were generally unrelated to device failure, but rather occurred in women no longer using a PPIUD. Expulsions occurred mainly in the early outpatient period and ranged widely (within 3 months: 0-41%). Abnormal bleeding, infections, or perforations were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIUDs are safe and effective. Long-term follow-up data are limited. Future research elucidating reasons underlying lack of PPIUD use is warranted.

Patient acceptability, continuation and complication rates with immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion at caesarean section and vaginal birth

BACKGROUND

Immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) has been shown to reduce unintended pregnancy but uptake of this type of contraception in Australia is low compared to European counterparts.

AIMS

To assess self-reported continuation rates, complications and satisfaction in patients having immediate postpartum hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) inserted at caesarean section (CS) or after vaginal birth (VB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of all patients with immediate postpartum hormonal IUD insertion over three years at a tertiary maternity service. Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction, continuation and expulsion rates. Secondary outcomes were reason for discontinuation, patient-reported complications, attendance for postpartum check with a general practitioner (GP) and rate of unplanned pregnancy. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-three women had a hormonal IUD inserted and 143 consented to involvement (CS n = 79; VB n = 64). Six and 12 months continuation rates for CS were 60.8% and 54.4%, and VB were 46.9% and 39.1%. The most common reasons for removal were: pain (34.5%), heavy or irregular bleeding (25.9%) and partial expulsion (24.1%). Expulsion was more likely after VB (34.1%) than CS (10.1%), (odds ratio 2.72; 95% CI 1.07-6.90; P = 0.036). There were 60.8% of women post-CS and 56.3% of women post-VB who were satisfied with their decision to have immediate postpartum insertion and most women attended routine postpartum follow-up with their GP (89.5%).

CONCLUSION

Immediate postpartum hormonal IUD insertion in this cohort is associated with higher rates of expulsion and lower satisfaction rates compared to those documented in the literature for delayed postpartum insertion cohorts.

Making the financial case for immediate postpartum intrauterine device: a budget impact analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines support inpatient postpartum intrauterine device insertion. However, inpatient placement remains infrequent, in part because of inconsistent private insurance reimbursement.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore how the payer's costs and number of unintended pregnancies associated with a postpartum intrauterine device differed on the basis of placement timing.

STUDY DESIGN

Using a decision tree model and following a hypothetical cohort of people who intend to use an intrauterine device after their delivery, we conducted a cost analysis comparing the planned approach of inpatient vs outpatient postpartum insertion. Using a 2-year time horizon, the probability and cost estimates were derived from literature review. Our primary outcome was the total accrued costs to the payer. Secondarily, we examined the rates of early repeat pregnancy and sensitivity to estimates of key inputs, including the expulsion rates and the intrauterine device cost.

RESULTS

Although an inpatient intrauterine device placement's upfront costs were higher, the total cost of this approach was lower. Including the costs of managing expulsions and complications, our model suggests that for every 1000 people desiring a postpartum intrauterine device, the intended inpatient intrauterine device placement resulted in total cost savings of $211,100 and the prevention of 37 additional pregnancies compared with outpatient placement. The inpatient cost savings were superior to the outpatient savings, largely because of a known high proportion not returning for outpatient placement and the resulting higher number of unintended pregnancies among the patients desiring outpatient placement. In sensitivity analyses, we found that the total cost to the payer was sensitive to the probability of expulsion after immediate postpartum intrauterine device placement.

CONCLUSION

For beneficiaries desiring postpartum intrauterine device, payers are likely to save money by fully reimbursing inpatient intrauterine device placement rather than incentivizing placement at the frequently missed postpartum visit. These results support the financial case for private insurers to fully and separately reimburse (ie, "unbundle" from the single payment for delivery) inpatient postpartum intrauterine device placement.

Rates of Intrauterine Device Expulsion Among Adolescents and Young Women

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to determine the rate of intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion and risk factors for expulsion among adolescents and young adults.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

IUD insertions were performed at a single children's hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Eligible adolescent and young adult patients who underwent IUD insertion between August 2009 and March 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

IUD insertion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was the incidence of IUD expulsion in adolescents and young women. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for IUD expulsion including heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), anemia, or a bleeding disorder diagnosis.

RESULTS

Six hundred forty-two eligible patients underwent IUD insertion. The incidence of first IUD expulsion in this population was 58/642 (9.03%). Among those who chose to have a second IUD placed (n = 29), 8/29 (27.6%) had a second expulsion. Patients who expelled their IUD were more likely to have a history of AUB, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, or a bleeding disorder. When controlled for body mass index and age at insertion, history of AUB and anemia remained significant risks for IUD expulsion.

CONCLUSION

This study similarly showed a higher risk of primary and secondary IUD expulsion in adolescents and young women. A history of AUB, anemia, bleeding disorder, and elevated body mass index are associated with higher risk for IUD expulsion. This population should be counseled that these conditions might place them at higher risk for expulsion.

One-year follow up on post-placental IUD insertion: A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Our objectives were to compare the 1-year follow-up clinical performance of the TCu380A intrauterine device (TCu380A-IUD) and levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg intrauterine system (IUS) inserted at post-placental period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted an open-label, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial, 1:1 with pregnant women admitted for childbirth independently of the mode of birth. Our primary outcome was expulsion up to 1 year after device placement by type of IUD and mode of delivery. During the follow up (42, 90 and 365 days (±7 days) after device placement), an ultrasound was performed to evaluate the device position. Kaplan-Meier with log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves of the TCu380A IUD and the LNG IUS. Couple-Years of Protection after insertion of both devices was calculated.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty women were randomized to the TCu380A IUD (n = 70) or the LNG IUS (n = 70). By the end of the first year after device placement, 38 women experienced device expulsion (27.1%), most of them (33/38; 86.8%) within the first 42 days after delivery. The expulsions were significantly higher among users of TCu380A IUD (39.4%) than among users of the LNG IUS (22.2%; P = .039), and among those with vaginal delivery (43.8%) than among women with cesarean delivery (15%; P = .003). The 1-year cumulative continuation rate was 64.2%, significantly higher for LNG IUS (73.1%) than for TCu380A IUD (54.4%; P = .03), and among women with cesarean delivery (77.6%) than for vaginal delivery (52%; P = .00). The post-placental IUD insertion provided 356.4 Couple-Years of Protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of women who accepted a post-placental IUD placement still used the device 1 year after childbirth. However, expulsion was the most prevalent reason for discontinuation, mainly within 42 days after device placement. The expulsion rate was significantly higher among TCu380A IUD users and among women with vaginal delivery.

Postplacental Insertion of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Versus Copper Intrauterine Device: A Prospective Study

Purpose

To compare between postplacental insertion of levonorgestrel intrauterine system versus copper intrauterine device regarding expulsion rates, patient satisfaction, complications, and continuation rates.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted on 1100 participants divided in to two groups: group (1) CU-IUD group and group (2) LNG-IUS group where women were assigned for postplacental insertion of either CU-IUD or LNG-IUS, respectively. Follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months postpartum and data were collected and analyzed to evaluate outcomes.

Results

No statistical difference between both groups regarding patients' characteristics, the overall expulsion rate was higher in LNS-IUS group than CU-IUD group; 77 patients (14%) and 50 patients (9%), respectively, (P value < 0.05), odds ratio: 1.63 at CI: (1.12-2.37). No significant difference between the two groups regarding pain intensity, perforation, abnormal uterine bleeding, and clinical endometritis (P > 0.05). Overall satisfaction rate at six months was 478(87%) in the CU-IUD group and 472(85.8%) in the LNS-IUS group (P value > 0.05), odds ratio: 1.1 at CI: (0.78-1.55). Continuation rate at s6 months was comparable between the two groups 485 (88.2%) and 480 (87.3%) in CU-IUD group and LNS-IUS group respectively, (P value < 0.05), odds ratio: 1.09 at CI: (0.76-1.56).

Conclusion

The rate of expulsion of LNG-IUS is higher than copper IUD when inserted postplacental, yet the continuation and acceptability rates were comparable between the two groups.

The cost of improving care: a multisite economic analysis of hospital resource use for implementing recommended postpartum contraception programmes

BACKGROUND

The costs of quality improvement efforts in real-world settings are often unquantified. Better understanding could guide appropriate resource utilisation and drive efficiency. Immediate postpartum contraceptive care (ie, placement of an intrauterine device or contraceptive implant during hospitalisation for childbirth) represents an excellent case study for examining costs, because recommended services are largely unavailable and adoption requires significant effort. We therefore evaluated the cost of implementing immediate postpartum contraceptive services at four academic centres and one private hospital in USA.

METHODS

In this mixed-methods cost analysis, implementation activities were retrospectively identified using standardised data collection. Activities were categorised as preimplementation activities (infrastructure building, tool creation and stakeholder engagement) or execution activities (workforce training and process refinement). Costs were assigned based on national median salaries for the roles of individuals involved. Cross-case comparison and rapid qualitative analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research were used to identify factors driving cost variation observed across sites.

RESULTS

On average, implementation activities required 204 hours (range 119-368), with this time costing $14 433.94 (range $9955.61-$23 690.49), and involving 9 (range 7-11) key team members per site. Preimplementation activities required more resources than execution activities (preimplementation: average 173 hours, $11 573.25; execution: average 31 hours, $2860.67). Sites that used lower-cost employees (eg, shifting tasks from a physician to a project manager) observed lower costs per hour for implementation activities. Implementation activities and costs were associated with local contextual factors, including stakeholder acceptance, integration of employees and infrastructure readiness for the change effort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide the first estimates of health system costs for adopting recommended contraceptive care in maternity units in USA. More broadly, our findings suggest that the budget impact of improvement efforts may vary widely depending on local context.

Expulsion of intrauterine devices after postpartum placement by timing of placement, delivery type, and intrauterine device type: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To provide updated and more detailed pooled intrauterine device expulsion rates and expulsion risk estimates among women with postpartum intrauterine device placement by timing of insertion, delivery type, and intrauterine device type to inform current intrauterine device insertion practices in the United States.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov through June 2019.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included all studies, of any study design, that examined postpartum placement of Copper T380A (copper) or levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine devices that reported counts of expulsion.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

We evaluated intrauterine device expulsion among women receiving postpartum intrauterine devices in the "immediate" (within 10 minutes), "early inpatient" (>10 minutes to <72 hours), "early outpatient" (72 hours to <4 weeks), and interval (≥4 weeks) time periods after delivery. We assessed study quality using the US Preventive Services Task Force evidence grading system. We calculated pooled absolute rates of partial and complete intrauterine device expulsion separately and estimated adjusted relative risks by the timing of postpartum placement, delivery type, and intrauterine device type using log-binomial multivariable regression.

RESULTS

We identified 48 level I to II-3 studies of poor to good quality that reported a total of 7661 intrauterine device placements. Complete intrauterine device expulsion rates varied by timing of placement as follows: 10.2% (range, 0.0-26.7) for immediate; 13.2% (3.5-46.7) for early inpatient; 0% for early outpatient; and 1.8% (0.0-4.8) for interval placements. Complete intrauterine device expulsion rates also varied by delivery type: 14.8% (range, 4.8-43.1) for vaginal and 3.8% (0.0-21.1) for cesarean deliveries. Among immediate postpartum vaginal placements, the expulsion rate for levonorgetrel intrauterine devices was 27.4% (range, 18.8-45.2) and 12.4% (4.8-43.1) for copper intrauterine devices. Compared with interval placement, immediate and early postpartum placements (inpatient and outpatient combined) were associated with greater risk of complete expulsion (adjusted risk ratio, 8.33; 95% confidence interval, 4.32-16.08, and adjusted risk ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.56-10.85, respectively). Among immediate postpartum placements, risk of expulsion was greater for placement after vaginal compared with cesarean deliveries (adjusted risk ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 3.49-5.99). Among immediate placements at the time of vaginal delivery, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices were associated with a greater risk of expulsion compared with copper intrauterine devices (adjusted risk ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.65).

CONCLUSION

Although intrauterine device expulsion rates vary by timing of placement, type, and mode of delivery, intrauterine device insertion can take place at any time. Understanding the risk of intrauterine device expulsion at each time period will enable women to make an informed choice about when to initiate use of an intrauterine device in the postpartum period based on their own goals and preferences.

Intrauterine Device Expulsion After Postpartum Placement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate expulsion rates among women with postpartum intrauterine device (IUD) placement by timing of insertion, IUD type, and delivery method.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1974 to May 2018.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We searched databases for any published studies that examined postpartum placement of a copper IUD or levonorgestrel intrauterine system and reported counts of expulsions. We assessed study quality using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force evidence grading system. We calculated pooled absolute rates of IUD expulsion and estimated adjusted relative risks (RRs) for timing of postpartum placement, delivery method, and IUD type using log-binomial multivariable regression model.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

We identified 48 level I to II-3 studies of poor to good quality. Pooled rates of expulsion varied by timing of IUD placement, ranging from 1.9% with interval placements (4 weeks postpartum or greater), 10.0% for immediate placements (10 minutes or less after placental delivery), and 29.7% for early placements (greater than 10 minutes to less than 4 weeks postpartum). Immediate and early postpartum placements were associated with increased risk of expulsion compared with interval placement (adjusted RR 7.63, 95% CI 4.31-13.51; adjusted RR 6.17, 95% CI 3.19-11.93, respectively). Postpartum placement less than 4 weeks after vaginal delivery was associated with an increased risk of expulsion compared with cesarean delivery (adjusted RR 5.19, 95% CI 3.85-6.99). Analysis of expulsion rates at less than 4 weeks postpartum also indicated that the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was associated with a higher risk of expulsion (adjusted RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.50-2.43) compared with CuT380A.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum IUD expulsion rates vary by timing of placement, delivery method, and IUD type. These results can aid in counseling women to make an informed choice about when to initiate their IUD and to help institutions implement postpartum contraception programs.

Postpartum LARC discontinuation and short interval pregnancies among women with HIV: a retrospective 9-year cohort study in South Carolina

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate rates of discontinuation and short interval pregnancy among women with HIV who received a postpartum IUD or implant.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who had an IUD or implant placed within 3 months postpartum during a 9-year period (1/1/09 to 2/14/18). We assessed the prevalence of discontinuation within 12 months and rates of subsequent delivery within 18 months. We examined differences in these outcomes between women with and without HIV.

RESULTS

Of the 794 women who received a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) within 3 months postpartum, most chose an IUD (85%). Twenty-one percent (165) elected for immediate postpartum placement: 119 IUDs and 46 implants. Women with HIV were more likely to receive an implant (48% vs 13%, p<.0001) and were more likely to have immediate postpartum placement (76% vs 17%, p<.0001). Women with HIV (n=50) were not more likely to remove LARC devices within 12 months of placement (38% vs 36%, p=.9), and they did not experience any short interval pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with HIV in South Carolina were more likely than HIV-negative women to receive immediate postpartum LARC and to receive an implant. They were not more likely to discontinue LARC within 12 months nor experience short interval pregnancies.

IMPLICATIONS

Further study is needed to evaluate preferences for implants and immediate postpartum insertion among women with HIV.

Timing of postpartum etonogestrel-releasing implant insertion and bleeding patterns, weight change, 12-month continuation and satisfaction rates: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether timing of etonogestrel (ENG) implant insertion during the postpartum period affects maternal bleeding patterns, body mass index (BMI) and 12-month satisfaction and continuation rates.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary analysis of an open, randomized, controlled trial. Postpartum women were block-randomized to early (up to 48 h postpartum) or delayed (6 weeks postpartum) insertion of an ENG implant. Bleeding patterns and BMI were evaluated every 90 days for 12 months. At 12 months, we measured implant continuation rates and used Likert and face scales to measure users' satisfaction. The level of significance was 0.4% (adjusted by Bonferroni test for multiplicity).

RESULTS

We enrolled 100 postpartum women; we randomized 50 to early and 50 to delayed postpartum ENG implant insertion. Bleeding patterns were similar between groups. Amenorrhea rates were high in both groups during the follow-up (52%-56% and 46%-62% in the early and delayed insertion group, respectively). Prolonged bleeding episodes were unusual in both groups during the follow-up (0-2%). Maternal BMI was similar between groups and decreased over time. Twelve-month continuation rates were similar between groups (early insertion: 98% vs. delayed insertion: 100%, p=.99). Most participants were either very satisfied or satisfied with the ENG implant in both groups (p=.9).

CONCLUSION

Women who underwent immediate postpartum insertion of the ENG implant have similar bleeding patterns, BMI changes, and 12-month satisfaction and continuation rates compared to those who underwent delayed insertion.

IMPLICATIONS

Our results from a secondary analysis of a clinical trial support that satisfaction, continuation and bleeding patterns do not differ when women received contraceptive implants immediately postpartum or at 6 weeks. However, the emphasis on infant growth in the trial and easy access to delayed placement may have influenced results.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Consult Series #48: Immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception for women at high risk for medical complications

Reproductive planning is essential for all women and most important for those with complex health conditions or at high risk for complications. Pregnancy planning can allow these high-risk women the opportunity to receive preconception counseling, medication adjustment, and risk assessment related to health conditions that have a direct impact on maternal morbidity and mortality risk. Despite the need for pregnancy planning, medically complex women face barriers to contraceptive use, including systemic barriers, such as underinsurance for women at increased risk for complex medical conditions as well as low uptake of effective postpartum contraception. Providing contraceptive counseling and a full range of contraceptive options, including immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), is a means of overcoming these barriers. The purpose of this document is to educate all providers, including maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists, about the benefits of postpartum contraception, and to advocate for widespread implementation of immediate postpartum LARC placement programs. The following are Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommendations: we recommend that LARC be offered to women at highest risk for adverse health events as a result of a future pregnancy (GRADE 1B); we recommend that obstetric care providers discuss the availability of immediate postpartum LARC with all pregnant women during prenatal care and consult the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use guidelines to determine methods most appropriate for specific medical conditions (GRADE 1C); we recommend that women considering immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion be counseled that although expulsion rates are higher than with delayed insertion, the benefits appear to outweigh the risk of expulsion, as the long-term continuation rates are higher (GRADE 1C); we recommend that obstetric care providers wishing to utilize immediate postpartum LARC obtain training specific to the immediate postpartum period (BEST PRACTICE); for women who desire and are eligible for LARC, we recommend immediate postpartum placement after a high-risk pregnancy over delayed placement due to overall superior efficacy and cost-effectiveness (GRADE 1B); we recommend that women considering immediate postpartum LARC be encouraged to breastfeed, as current evidence suggests that these methods do not negatively influence lactation (GRADE 1B); for women who desire and are eligible for LARC, we suggest that early postpartum LARC placement be considered when immediate postpartum LARC placement is not feasible (GRADE 2C); and we recommend that contraceptive counseling programs be patient-centered and provided in a shared decision-making framework to avoid coercion (BEST PRACTICE).

Women's and healthcare professionals' views on immediate postnatal contraception provision: a literature review

OBJECTIVES

Provision of immediate postnatal contraception, including long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, is increasingly identified and endorsed as a key strategy for reducing unplanned and rapid repeat pregnancies. This literature review aims to evaluatethe views of women and healthcare professionals regarding the receipt, initiation or delivery of these services.

METHODS

Databases (Embase, Medline, CINAHL, HMIC) were searched for relevant English language studies, from January2003 to December 2017. In addition, Evidence Search, Google Scholar and Scopus (citation search) were used to identify further literature. Other relevant websites were accessed for policies, guidance and supplementary grey literature.

RESULTS

There is clear guidance on how to deliver good-quality postnatal contraception to women, but the reality of service delivery in the UK does not currently meet these aspirations, and guidance on implementation is lacking. The available evidence on the provision of immediate postnatal contraception focuses more on clinical rather than patient-centred outcomes. Research on postnatal women's views is limited to receptivity to LARC and contraception counselling rather than what influences their decision-making process at this time. Research on views of healthcare professionals highlights a range of key systemic barriers to implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

While views of postnatal women and healthcare professionals are largely in support of immediate postnatal contraception provision, important challenges have been raised and present a need for national sharing of service commissioning and delivery models, resources and evaluation data. Provider attitudes and training needs across multidisciplinary groups also need to be assessed and addressed as collaborative working across a motivated, skilled and up-to-date network of healthcare professionals is viewed as key to successful service implementation.

Women's informed choice and satisfaction with immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception in Georgia

Background

Several state Medicaid agencies have recently started reimbursing for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) placement immediately postpartum. Women's perspectives are critical for ensuring that this change increases access to LARC while empowering women to choose the method and timing of contraception that best meets their needs. We conducted a pilot study in Georgia, which recently changed its Medicaid reimbursement policy, to assess women's informed choice and satisfaction with immediate postpartum LARC.

Methods

We sampled all women with a live birth paid for by Georgia Medicaid during November 2015 through February 2017 who received an immediate postpartum LARC. We then used a one-to-one match to sample women who did not receive immediate postpartum LARC. Women were contacted via telephone for a 25-30 min interview regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to immediate postpartum LARC and their satisfaction with postpartum contraception. We calculated descriptive statistics and components of informed choice overall and by receipt of immediate postpartum LARC, using chi-square tests to calculate differences by group.

Results

We approached 470 women and completed interviews with 51; 25 (49%) received immediate postpartum LARC (24 implants, 1 intrauterine device). Two-thirds reported their provider discussed the option of receiving immediate postpartum LARC during prenatal care, with over 90% reporting they received all the information they needed to make a decision. Most women believed the ideal time to begin using birth control postpartum is in the hospital immediately after delivery, although this differed significantly by women's receipt of immediate postpartum LARC. Most women who received immediate postpartum LARC reported they are very or extremely happy with their device, although 40% also reported wanting their device removed at some point.

Conclusions

Women on Medicaid in Georgia report making informed choices regarding immediate postpartum LARC. Among those who received immediate postpartum LARC, women report high levels of satisfaction.

Impact of training level on postplacental levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device expulsion

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between provider training level and postplacental intrauterine device (IUD) outcomes following insertion instruction by email only.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single-center chart review of demographics, insertion and clinical outcomes within 6 months of delivery for 116 patients who underwent postplacental levonorgestrel 52 mg IUD placement from October 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017.

RESULTS

We confirmed IUD retention, removal or expulsion in 87 of 116 (75.0%) patients by 6 months after delivery. Complete expulsion or removal for malposition occurred in 20 (23.0%) patients and more frequently after vaginal than cesarean delivery (30.2% vs. 4.2%, OR 9.93 [95% CI 1.25-78.96]) and when a postgraduate year (PGY) 1 physician placed the IUD compared to a PGY 2-4 or attending physician (37.5% vs. 14.5%, OR 3.52 [95% CI 1.25-9.94]).

CONCLUSION

Postplacental levonorgestrel 52 mg IUD expulsion rates are associated with provider training level as well as delivery route, though the individual association of each of these factors is difficult to ascertain given the high degree of collinearity between these two variables in our study.

A Decision Analysis Model of 1-Year Effectiveness of Intended Postplacental Compared With Intended Delayed Postpartum Intrauterine Device Insertion

OBJECTIVE

To compare, using decision analysis methodology, the 1-year probability of pregnancy after intended postplacental intrauterine device (IUD) insertion with intended delayed insertion at an outpatient postpartum visit (delayed postpartum placement).

METHODS

We developed an evidence-based decision model with the primary outcome of 1-year probability of pregnancy. We compared 1-year probability of pregnancy after intended postplacental or intended delayed postpartum IUD placement. We obtained estimates from the literature for the proportions of the following: mode of delivery, successful IUD placement, IUD type, postpartum visit attendance, IUD expulsion, IUD discontinuation, and contraceptive use, choice, and efficacy after IUD discontinuation. We performed sensitivity analyses and a Monte Carlo simulation to account for variations in proportion estimates.

RESULTS

One-year probabilities of pregnancy among a theoretical cohort of 2,500,000 women intending to receive a postplacental IUD after vaginal birth and 1,250,000 women intending to receive a postplacental IUD after cesarean birth were 17.3% and 11.2%, respectively; the 1-year probability of pregnancy among a theoretical cohort of 2,500,000 women intending to receive a delayed postpartum IUD was 24.6%. For delayed postpartum IUD placement to have effectiveness equal to postplacental placement, 91.4% of women delivering vaginally and 99.7% of women delivering by cesarean would need to attend postpartum care. Once placed, the effectiveness of postplacental IUDs was lower than that of delayed postpartum IUDs: 1-year probabilities of pregnancy after IUD placement at a vaginal birth, cesarean birth, and an outpatient postpartum visit were 15.4%, 6.6%, and 3.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

After accounting for factors that affect successful IUD placement and retention, this decision model indicates that intended postplacental IUD insertion results in a lower 1-year probability of pregnancy as compared with intended delayed postpartum IUD insertion.

Postpartum intrauterine devices: clinical and programmatic review

The immediate postpartum period is a critical moment for contraceptive access and an opportunity to initiate long-acting reversible contraception, which includes the insertion of an intrauterine device. The use of the intrauterine device in the postpartum period is a safe practice with few contraindications and many benefits. Although an intrauterine device placed during the postpartum period is more likely to expel compared with one placed at the postpartum visit, women who initiate intrauterine devices at the time of delivery are also more likely to continue to use an intrauterine device compared with women who plan to follow up for an interval intrauterine device insertion. This review will focus on the most recent clinical and programmatic updates on postpartum intrauterine device practice. We discuss postpartum intrauterine device expulsion and continuation, eligibility criteria and contraindications, safety in regards to breastfeeding, and barriers to access. Our aim is to summarize evidence related to postpartum intrauterine devices and encourage those involved in the healthcare system to remove barriers to this worthwhile practice.

Six-month expulsion of postplacental copper intrauterine devices placed after vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Immediate placement of an intrauterine device after vaginal delivery is safe and convenient, but longitudinal data describing clinical outcomes have been limited.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the proportion of TCu380A (copper) intrauterine devices expelled, partially expelled, malpositioned, and retained, as well as contraceptive use by 6 months postpartum, and determine risk factors for expulsion and partial expulsion.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective, observational study, women who received a postplacental TCu380A intrauterine device at vaginal delivery were enrolled postpartum. Participants returned for clinical follow-up at 6 weeks, and for a research visit with a pelvic exam and ultrasound at 6 months. We recorded intrauterine device outcomes and 6-month contraceptive use. Partial expulsion was defined as an intrauterine device protruding from the external cervical os, or a transvaginal ultrasound showing the distal end of the intrauterine device below the internal os of the cervix. Multinomial logistic regression models identified risk factors associated with expulsion and partial expulsion by 6 months. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was used to assess the ability of a string check to predict the correct placement of a postplacental intrauterine device. The primary outcome was the proportion of intrauterine devices expelled at 6 months.

RESULTS

We enrolled 200 women. Of 162 participants with follow-up data at 6 months, 13 (8.0%; 95% confidence interval, 4.7-13.4%) experienced complete expulsion and 26 (16.0%; 95% confidence interval, 11.1-22.6%) partial expulsion. Of 25 malpositioned intrauterine devices (15.4%; 95% confidence interval, 10.2-21.9%), 14 were not at the fundus (8.6%; 95% confidence interval, 5.2-14.1%) and 11 were rotated within the uterus (6.8%; 95% confidence interval, 3.8-11.9%). Multinomial logistic regression modeling indicated that higher parity (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-3.50; P = .008) was associated with expulsion. Provider specialty (obstetrics vs family medicine; odds ratio, 5.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-23.59; P = .03) and gestational weight gain (normal vs excess; odds ratio, 9.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.90-43.82; P = .004) were associated with partial expulsion. Long-acting reversible contraceptive method use at 6 months was 80.9% (95% confidence interval, 74.0-86.6%). At 6 weeks postpartum, 35 of 149 (23.5%; 95% confidence interval, 16.9-31.1%) participants had no intrauterine device strings visible. Sensitivity of a string check to detect an incorrectly positioned intrauterine device was 36.2%, and specificity of the string check to predict a correctly positioned intrauterine device was 84.5%. This corresponds to an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.5.

CONCLUSION

This prospective assessment of postplacental TCu380A intrauterine device placement, with ultrasound to confirm device position, finds a complete intrauterine device expulsion proportion of 8.0% at 6 months. The association of increasing parity with expulsion is consistent with prior research. The clinical significance of covariates associated with partial expulsion (provider specialty and gestational weight gain) is unclear. Due to the observational study design, any associations cannot imply causality. The proportion of partially expelled and malpositioned intrauterine devices was high, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.5 indicates that a string check is a poor test for assessing device position. Women considering a postplacental intrauterine device should be counseled about the risk of position abnormalities, as well as the possibility of nonvisible strings, which may complicate clinical follow-up. The clinical significance of intrauterine device position abnormalities is unknown; future research should evaluate the influence of malposition and partial expulsion on contraceptive effectiveness and side effects.

Immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion and breast-feeding outcomes: a noninferiority randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion is increasing in frequency in the United States, but few studies have investigated the effect of early placement on breast-feeding outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effect of immediate vs delayed postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion on breast-feeding outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted this noninferiority randomized controlled trial at the University of Utah and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Centers from February 2014 through March 2016. Eligible women were pregnant and planned to breast-feed, spoke English or Spanish, were aged 18-40 years, and desired a levonorgestrel intrauterine device. Enrolled women were randomized 1:1 to immediate postpartum insertion or delayed insertion at 4-12 weeks' postpartum. Prespecified exclusion criteria included delivery <37.0 weeks' gestational age, chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, contraindications to levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion, and medical complications of pregnancy that could affect breast-feeding. We conducted per-protocol analysis as the primary approach, as it is considered the standard for noninferiority studies; we also report the alternative intent-to-treat analysis. We powered the study for the primary outcome, breast-feeding continuation at 8 weeks, to detect a 15% noninferiority margin between groups, requiring 132 participants in each arm. The secondary study outcome, time to lactogenesis, used a validated measure, and was analyzed by survival analysis and log rank test. We followed up participants for ongoing data collection for 6 months. Only the data analysis team was blinded to the intervention.

RESULTS

We met the enrollment target with 319 participants, but lost 34 prior to randomization and excluded an additional 26 for medical complications prior to delivery. The final analytic sample included 132 in the immediate group and 127 in the delayed group. Report of any breast-feeding at 8 weeks in the immediate group (79%; 95% confidence interval, 70-86%) was noninferior to that of the delayed group (84%; 95% confidence interval, 76-91%). The 5% difference in breast-feeding continuation at 8 weeks between the groups fell within the noninferiority margin (95% confidence interval, -5.6 to 15%). Time to lactogenesis (mean ± SD) in the immediate group, 65.3 ± 25.7 hours, was noninferior to that of the delayed group, 63.6 ± 21.6 hours. The mean difference between groups was 1.7 hours (95% confidence interval, -4.8 to 8.2 hours), noninferior by log-rank test. A total of 24 intrauterine device expulsions occurred in the immediate group compared to 2 in the delayed group (19% vs 2%, P < .001), consistent with the known higher expulsion rate with immediate vs delayed postpartum intrauterine device insertion. No intrauterine device perforations occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Our results of noninferior breast-feeding outcomes between women with immediate and delayed postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion suggest that immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion is an acceptable option for women planning to breast-feed and use the levonorgestrel intrauterine device. Expulsion rates are higher with immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion compared to delayed insertion, but this disadvantage may be outweighed by the advantages of immediate initiation of contraception. Providers should offer immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion to breast-feeding women planning to use the levonorgestrel intrauterine device.

Postplacental intrauterine device expulsion by 12 weeks: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

An intrauterine device placed immediately following a delivery can serve as an effective and safe contraceptive strategy in the postpartum period. There is limited evidence that the levonorgestrel intrauterine system may have a higher rate of expulsion compared to the copper intrauterine device; however, rates of expulsion for these 2 intrauterine device types have not been compared directly.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare expulsion rates by 12 weeks' postpartum for the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device.

STUDY DESIGN

We enrolled women who received postplacental intrauterine devices at 2 urban hospitals. Eligible women were ≥18 years old, English- or Spanish-speaking, with singleton vaginal delivery at ≥35 weeks' gestation. Intrauterine devices were inserted within 10 minutes of placental delivery by trained providers using ring forceps or the operator's hand. Intrauterine device location was evaluated via abdominal ultrasound at 24-48 hours' postpartum, and via transvaginal ultrasound 6 and 12 weeks later, categorizing position of the intrauterine device at the fundus, below the fundus but above the internal os, any part of the intrauterine device below the internal os (partial expulsion), or no intrauterine device visualized. Outcomes included intrauterine device expulsion and method continuation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with expulsion.

RESULTS

We enrolled 123 women ages 18-40 years. Of these, 68 (55%) initiated levonorgestrel intrauterine system and 55 (45%) initiated copper intrauterine device. Groups were similar except more copper intrauterine device users were Hispanic (66% vs 38%) and fewer were primiparous (16% vs 31%). Among the 96 (78%) with 12-week follow-up, expulsion was higher for levonorgestrel intrauterine system users (21/55 or 38%) than for copper intrauterine device users (8/41 or 20%) (odds ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-6.55; P = .05). At 24 hours' postpartum, there was no significant difference in median distance from the intrauterine device to the fundus between intrauterine device types or between those who did or did not experience expulsion. Of expulsions, 86% occurred ≤6 weeks' postpartum. All complete expulsions were clinically identified, but of the partial expulsions, only 4/10 (40%) were clinically suspected prior to ultrasound. The only independent predictor of expulsion was intrauterine device type. Including reinsertions, intrauterine device use at 12 weeks was not significantly different for levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device users (80% vs 93%; P = .14).

CONCLUSION

Women initiating postplacental levonorgestrel intrauterine system are more likely to experience complete expulsion than those initiating copper intrauterine device. Using sonographic criteria results in higher expulsion rates than previously reported. It is unclear if such high expulsion rates would be identified following standard clinical practice.

Temporal Trends in the Uptake and Continuation of the Etonogestrel Implant in a Large Private Practice Setting

OBJECTIVE

To assess temporal trends in the uptake and continuation of the etonogestrel subdermal implant in a large private practice setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study based on billing records from a large multispecialty private practice in Las Vegas, Nevada. We looked at women of all ages seeking long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016. The main outcome measure was uptake of the etonogestrel subdermal implant, expressed as a fraction of all insertions of LARC across four calendar years (2013-2016). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 12-month continuation stratified by year of insertion.

RESULTS

There were 3477 total LARC insertions across the 4-year study period. In unadjusted analyses, the uptake of the etonogestrel implant increased from 3.0% of LARC insertions in 2013 to 9% in 2016 among women aged 30 years and older. For women younger than 30 years, the uptake of the implant stayed stable from 2013 to 2015 (22.8%, 21.7%, and 22.4%, respectively), but increased to 30.9% in 2016. We modeled the uptake of the implant as a function of year of insertion adjusted for age (continuous) and insurance status (private vs. Medicaid), and we stratified the models by age (younger than 30 years, 30 years, and older than 30 years). The positive association between year of insertion and uptake of the implant was significantly stronger for women aged 30 years and older, compared to women younger than 30 years. There was a progressive decrease in the 12-month continuation of implant from 2013 (95.7%) to 2015 (57.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large private practice setting, among women aged 30 years and older, we observed a threefold increase in the uptake of the subdermal implant from 2013 to 2016. We also observed a significant decrease in the 12-month continuation of the implant over time. Further studies of implant uptake and continuation in the private practice setting are needed.

Inpatient Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Care That Promotes Reproductive Justice

Inpatient insertion of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) (intrauterine devices and implants) is increasingly offered to women immediately after childbirth. Enthusiasm for this approach stems from robust safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness data and responsiveness to women's needs and preferences. Although clinical evidence for immediate postpartum LARC is well-established, the ethical implications of enhancing access to this care have not been fully considered. Contraceptive policies and practices often embody a tension between fostering liberal availability and potentially coercive promotion of some methods. Historical contraceptive policies and contemporary disparities in LARC use point to the need to consider whether health policies and health care practices support all women's reproductive wishes. Immediate postpartum LARC services need to be designed and implemented with the goal of ensuring autonomy and equity in postpartum contraceptive care. To this end, these services should include strategic plans to promote universal availability, prevent coercion, and enable device removal.