The Experiences of Women Who Have Used Intrauterine Devices for a Long Time

Abstract

The intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective and reversible contraceptive method that provides long-term protection. This study aims to analyze the experiences of women who exceeded their IUD use period. This study was conducted employing the phenomenological method, a qualitative research approach. This study was conducted with a sample of 15 women who applied to the Family Planning Outpatient Clinic of a hospital in Istanbul between February 2024 and April 2024 and used IUDs for at least 11 years. Interviews were conducted individually using the semi-structured in-depth interview technique. The data were analyzed with a descriptive analysis technique using the MAXQDA Plus Program. Based on women's experiences of exceeding the recommended duration of IUD use, three main themes were identified. These themes were: 1—Locking from anxiety to fear, 2—continuity of reliability, and 3—from attachment to neglect. This study concluded that women's prolonged IUD use was associated with negative experiences, insufficient information, and inadequate health care services.