Contraceptive practice after surgical repair of obstetric fistula in southeast Nigeria.

Objective: To determine the contraceptive practices of women after surgical repair of obstetric fistula and to assess determinants of uptake and the pregnancy rate in the first year.

Methods: A prospective cohort study enrolled women who had a successful surgical repair of obstetric fistula at a center in Nigeria between 2011 and 2013. Patients were followed up for 1year. Data were obtained through record review and completion of a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: Among 188 participants, 180 (95.7%) were aware of contraception, but only 70 (37.2%) used contraceptive methods after surgery. The most commonly used methods were the male condom (50 [71.4%] of 70) and hormonal injections (14 [20.0%]). The main reasons for non-use were fear of adverse effects (48 [40.7%] of 118 women), future desire for more children (35 [29.7%]), religious prohibition (26 [22.0%]), cultural beliefs (29 [24.6%]), and partner disapproval (42 [35.6%]). The risk of unplanned pregnancy in the first year was significantly lower among women who used contraceptives than among those who did not (relative risk 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.02-1.06; P=0.03).

Conclusion: Contraceptive uptake for birth control after fistula repair surgery was low because of socioeconomic reasons, religious and cultural beliefs, and myths, resulting in unplanned pregnancies.