الفهرس 
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Abstract
Egypt’s population is very large in relation to the country’s natural resources. Therefore, by 1966, Egypt had established a national family planning program, which aimed at reducing fertility and, thus, population growth. This program has lead to sharp increases in the use of contraceptive methods including intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Worldwide, IUD is the second most popular, reversible method after the pill. In Egypt, IUD has remained the most popular contraceptive method since 1988. The IUD usually is a small, flexible plastic frame that is inserted into a uterus through the cervix to prevent pregnancy. It is one of the most effective methods of contraception; as its effectiveness rate is 98%-99%. IUD is also inexpensive, very safe, easy to use, needs nothing to do or to remember and does not interfere with sex.
On the other hand, IUD may be painful when it is inserted or removed. Some pain and bleeding or spotting may occur immediately after IUD insertion and it usually goes away in a day or two. Menstrual changes are common side effects in the first three months, but likely to lessen after that. In rare instances complications of IUD may arise.
A key concern for family planning programs is the rate at which users discontinue use of contraception and the reasons for such discontinuation. In Egypt, the rate of IUD discontinuation is 15%. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify factors associated with intrauterine devices discontinuation.
The study was conducted at 10 FP clinics. Four were selected from four maternity hospitals; El-Shatby, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Dar Ismail and Dar-El-Welada; and six were selected by simple random technique from the 16 MCH centers representing different zones of Alexandria; El-Mandara, Baccos, El-Hadara, El-Gomrk, El-Kabary and El-Amreya.
The study included a purposive sample of 300 women who were at reproductive age group (19-45 years), current users of IUD, and discontinued the use of IUD at the time of data collection.
A structured interview schedule was designed and utilized by the researcher to collect the necessary data. It entailed two parts; part I included data about women’s general characteristics such as socio-demographic characteristics, medical/surgical history, as well as obstetric and gynecologic history. Part II involved women’s sources of knowledge about IUD, decision making regarding its choice, current experience of IUD use, and reasons for its discontinuation. The interview schedule was tested for content validity by 9 juries who are expert in the related field.