Ongoing contraceptive goals of patients who did not achieve desired postpartum permanent contraception prior to hospital discharge

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate reasons for non-fulfillment and ongoing contraceptive plans of patients who desired but did not receive inpatient postpartum permanent contraception (PC).

Study design

Multi-site retrospective cohort study of 1254 patients with unfulfilled inpatient postpartum PC. We analyzed the reason for PC non-fulfillment, documented contraceptive plan, and method prescription or provision at hospital discharge, six-weeks, and one-year postpartum.

Results

In our cohort, 44.3% of patients with unfulfilled inpatient PC did not receive any highly- or moderately-effective contraception within one year postpartum.

Conclusions

Removing barriers to PC fulfillment as well as contraceptive counseling that acknowledges these barriers is imperative.