Results of a longitudinal study on the psychological acceptance of contraception with Multiload Cu 250
Rauchfleisch, U.
Gynakologische Rundschau 22(3): 176-182
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-6001 PMID: 7129225 Document Number: 393125
This article assesses the psychological aspects of 6 months' use of Multiload Cu 250 IUDs inserted in 51 patients aged 19-46 years at the sociomedical service of the university women's clinic at Basel. At the time of insertion the gynecologist completed a questionnaire designed by the author and the patients completed the Fribourg Personality Inventory and the Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Test. At follow-up visits 6-8 weeks and 6 months later, patients were questioned on their complications, perceived changes in fear of becoming pregnant, sexual satisfaction, and their general impression of the IUD. The rate of complications at 6 months was 37%, primarily prolonged bleeding, breakthrough bleeding, and cramps. The statistical correlation between complications and different socioeconomic parameters was not established, but the highest rate of complications was in women who already had experienced complications with other methods of contraception. After 6 months, the fear of pregnancy had strongly diminished: the proportion fearing pregnancy declined from 35 to 4%. The proportion reporting satisfactory sexual relationships increased from 78% to 94%, and 94% of patients considered contraception with the Multiload Cu 250 to be satisfactory. The patients with the highest rates of complications were those torn between the desire for a pregnancy and the absolute desire not to conceive during the time of the study. The author proposes the hypothesis that complications are the somatic manifestation of repressed conflict.