PPIUD for contraception now leading choice of Raj women

Jaipur: Post-partum intrauterine device (PPIUD) has emerged as the leading choice for family planning among women in Rajasthan, surpassing traditional methods like sterilisation and Antara injections. The shift in preference from sterilisation to PPIUD has been notable over recent years. Between April and Dec 2024, out of 7.5 lakh women who gave births in hospitals (institutions), 30% of them chose PPIUD before discharge.
Statistics from April to Dec 2024 reveal that 2,21,594 women selected PPIUD as their family planning method, while 1,50,000 opted for sterilisation. The procedure involves medical professionals inserting the device immediately after childbirth in hospital settings to prevent future pregnancies.
Dr Sunit Singh Ranawat, director (family welfare), shared, "We are making modern and accessible family planning methods available for eligible couples to space out childbirth. PPIUD is one of them. Women coming for births of babies in hospitals are provided with counselling to opt for PPIUD. It is a method for spacing between two children. After its insertion, the beneficiary does not require the use of any other contraceptive. It is gaining popularity and we are also promoting its use for family planning."
He said Antara MPA injections also serve as a safe and accessible contraceptive option for women. The injection requires administration every three months by trained healthcare professionals, with the flexibility to discontinue when conception is desired.
Additional director (family planning) Dr JP Bunkar said 1,30,847 women received their initial Antara injection dose, while 2,20,562 women selected PPIUD in the previous year (April to Dec).
Dr Shalini Rathore, senior specialist (gynaecology) at Mahila Chikitsalaya, said, "Govt is providing copper-containing contraceptive devices free of cost, which are a highly effective, long-term reversible protection against pregnancy, and promptly restore fertility upon removal. They can also be used as an emergency method of contraception, effective immediately after insertion. It can be used for 5-10 years and can be removed anytime. It is a one-time procedure and doesn't require daily observation by users."
"If inserted immediately following childbirth, it prevents several unwanted abortions, which are usually very hazardous to mothers' health, especially following caesarean deliveries. If women have any problem, they can consult a doctor and should not get trapped in any myth," Dr Rathore added.