The IUD is an extremely effective method of contraception yet few women use it worldwide. Considered safe to use in HIV+ women, few studies have evaluated its use among those using antiretroviral therapy. The only prior randomized trial looking at the IUD compared to hormonal contraception noted a high rate of IUD discontinuations. Understanding IUD acceptability and continuation is critical to improve utilization. * Objective 1: Determine WHO medical eligibility and the willingness for IUD placement * Objective 2: Compare method-related side effects and adverse events * Objective 3: Assess the 1-year acceptability and continuation rates Methods: To address our objectives the investigators have designed a two Phase Study: * A cross-sectional screening to evaluate contraceptive medical eligibility and desirability * A randomized controlled trial that will compare acceptability and adherence to DMPA compared to the Copper IUD: enrolling 200 women stable on antiretroviral therapy to follow for 1 year
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
200
Copper IUD (CuT360)
DMPA 150 mg IM q 3 months
The Lighthouse Trust
Lilongwe, Lilongwe, Malawi
Adherence
Number of clients continuing with method at 1 year
Time frame: 1 year
Adverse Events
-Number of clients who experience adverse events such as pelvic inflammatory disease, lower genital tract infection, and infection related complications, such as abdominal pain, and irregular vaginal bleeding, as well as lower tract infection determined by clinical examination. Side effects such as abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, IUCD expulsion, and other side effects, as measured by clinical examination and client self-report. -Risk of excessive vaginal bleeding or anemia: determined by self report and hemoglobin level
Time frame: 1 year
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