Uterine cavity length in postpartum women who are exclusively breastfeeding: is atrophy responsible for a higher perforation rate at Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) insertion?

Postpartum breastfeeding women have a higher risk of uterine perforation with insertion of an intrauterine contraception device (IUD). The mechanism for this is unknown, we hypothesize that a reduction in uterine cavity length is responsible for the increased perforation rate. Perforation is a serious complication, which requires surgery to remove the perforated IUD, resulting in a significant cost to the woman and the health service. Our objective is to compare uterine cavity length in exclusively breastfeeding women with non-breastfeeding women. A smaller sized cavity may explain the increased risk of perforation in breastfeeding women, leading to a change in practice.