In which of the following conditions will you insert an Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD)?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Immediate after an abortion

Rationale:

Insertion of an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) immediately after an abortion is a safe and effective method of contraception. Post-abortion IUCD insertion provides immediate protection against pregnancy and does not interfere with the healing process after the abortion.
The timing of insertion is critical because the uterus is more accessible immediately after an abortion. Additionally, women are often motivated to adopt a contraceptive method during this period to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.
Several studies have shown that IUCD insertion immediately after abortion does not increase the risk of complications such as infection, expulsion, or perforation when done by a trained healthcare provider.
This approach also reduces the risk of missed opportunities for contraception, as women might not return for follow-up visits for IUCD insertion later.

Explanation of Other Options:

Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Rationale: Foul-smelling vaginal discharge may indicate an existing infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Inserting an IUCD in the presence of an active infection can worsen the condition and increase the risk of ascending infections, leading to severe complications such as infertility.
Before considering IUCD insertion, it is essential to treat the underlying infection and ensure the vaginal environment is healthy.

Irregular vaginal bleeding

Rationale: Irregular vaginal bleeding can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, fibroids, or endometrial abnormalities. Inserting an IUCD in such cases without addressing the root cause may exacerbate bleeding or mask the underlying condition.
It is crucial to evaluate and treat the cause of irregular bleeding before IUCD insertion to ensure patient safety and effectiveness of the contraceptive method.

2 months amenorrhea

Rationale: Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) for 2 months raises the possibility of pregnancy. Inserting an IUCD without ruling out pregnancy can lead to serious complications, such as miscarriage or infection.
Before IUCD insertion, it is vital to confirm the absence of pregnancy through a reliable pregnancy test or clinical evaluation.

Conclusion:

The most appropriate scenario for IUCD insertion among the options is immediately after an abortion, as it provides timely contraception and prevents unintended pregnancies. Other options, such as foul-smelling vaginal discharge, irregular vaginal bleeding, or amenorrhea, require further investigation and treatment before considering IUCD insertion to ensure the procedure's safety and effectiveness.