Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is the most common, widely used
reversible method of contraception, currently used by nearly 160 million women. Aim: This
study embarked on to explore the factors associated with intrauterine device discontinuation
and failure in Maternal and Child Health Centers at Zagazig City. A descriptive design was
selected in carrying out this study and a purposive sample of 400 women who had used an
IUD and requested its removal was recruited for this study. Setting: The study was conducted
at 4 Maternal Child Health clinics of 4 Rural Health Units affiliated to the Ministry of Health
and population in Zagazig city .Tools: An interview questionnaire sheet was designed and
implemented. The results of the present study revealed that the mean duration of the current
IUD was 4.5±3.6 with a range of 0.1-22 years, almost three fourths (74.4%) of women lost to
follow up. The desire for conception was the most common reason, with the highest
percentage (25.5%) followed by heavy bleeding and spotting and PID (21.5% and 12.3%
respectively). In addition, other reasons for IUD withdrawal was social problems, expired
date of the IUD and missed IUD (14.5%, 10.3% and 8.2% respectively). Statistical significant
relation was found between reasons of discontinuation and women's age, education, number
of living children, the previous use of IUD and the duration of the current IUD. Conclusion:
From present results it could be suggested that medical and social problems constitute the
main reasons for discontinuation of IUDs. A great proportion lost the follow up and a
significant relation was found between women characteristics and reasons for discontinuation
of the IUD. Recommendations: Counseling during the initial and return visits as well as after
the removal of the IUD is mandatory.