Opinions and Perceptions of Gynecologists and Midwives on the Use of the Intrauterine Device in Senegal

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the opinions of gynecologists, midwives, and interns/Specialist students practicing in Senegal about the use of IUD, and to assess factors that stand as obstacles to IUD prescribing. Patients and methods: An online questionnaire was developed to assess providers’ IUD practices and attitudes. The questionnaire was based on the one used in a Swiss study on the same topic. The platform used was Google forms. The questionnaire was shared in associative platforms involving gynecologists, midwives and interns/Specialist students. Results and comments: We received 292 feedbacks. Gynecologists represented 13.7% of the sample, interns and specialist students 11.3% and midwives 76%. Parity is a determining factor in IUD selection. The care-providers were concerned about the followings, which might have prevented the use of IUD, even though it was indicated: infections (75.7%), pelvic pain (61.3%), expulsion (48.3%), increased risk of perforation (46.9%), women’s appreciation (45.2%), ectopic pregnancy (33.9%) and sexual behavior (28.4%). Conclusion: Our study reveals that providers’ apprehensions and concerns severely limit the availability of IUDs. These concerns are often unfounded, based on personal experiences and not on official recommendations. Parity is a major obstacle.