Background As estimated by World Health Organisation about 50% of all HIV infected individuals are women. Comparison data for complications after IUC in HIV positive and negative women are lacking.

Aims The aim of our study is to compare short-term complications and side-effects after IUC in the above two groups.

Methods Retrospective notes review of 76 patient records of HIV negative women who attended in 2013, for IUC and followed up for 3 months was carried out. All HIV positive women, who attended between 2012–2015, for IUC and followed up within 3 months were included. Data including demographics and complications were collected in addition to HIV related parameters.

Results Among the 49 HIV positive women 46 were on treatment and was undetectable at the time of IUC insertion. Mean CD4 count was 589 cells/µL. Mean age was 38 years, and 30 in the negative women. Black ethnicity was common among both groups. Pelvic pain was reported in 6% of the HIV group vs 17% of the non-HIV group (P value = 0.034). Incidence of lost threads was also significantly high in HIV negative women (P value = 0.018). 31% of the HIV group reported heavy or prolonged bleeding vs 37% of the negative group.

Discussion In HIV negative women, pelvic pain and incidence of lost threads were significantly high. Occurrence of any complication or side effect was also significantly high in HIV negative women (P value = 0.022).