A study of the risk factors related to ectopic pregnancy in intrauterine device users

Abstract

Objectives: Analysis of the risk factors related to ectopic pregnancy (EP) among intrauterine device (IUD) users in order to reduce the risk of EP from IUD users and to safeguard women’s health.

Methods: A total of 29 EP cases were collected and 1:1 matched controls in IUD users by case-control study.

Results: The data showed that pregnancies had significant association with EP, two pregnancies and three or more pregnancies were increased the risk of EP, adjusted odds ratio AOR = 14.39, 95% CI: 2.37, 87.49 and AOR = 14.87, 95% CI: 2.27, 97.38 respectively. The risk of EP in women of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery was also significantly increased (AOR = 4.43, 95% CI: 1.04, 18.92). While no significant association have been seen with age, first or second time use IUD, periods of insertion, types of IUD, and copper surface area of IUD.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the number of pregnancies significantly increase the risk of EP, there is no significant association between the risk of EP and copper surface area or shape of IUD used. Therefore, a woman’s individual risk factors will lead to a rise in the risk of EP, there is a need to the suitability of her contraceptive. It is beneficial to reduce the risk of EP by the prevention of unwilling pregnancy and induced abortion.