PIP: The results of a survey done on women in rural Shanxi Province, China, involving 767 1st-time and 475 2nd-time insertions of IUDs are compared and analyzed. The length of IUD retention in the 1st-time insertion group was found to be significantly less than that of the 2nd insertion group (P .01). Statistical evidence indicates that there is no significant relationship between the factors leading to termination of initially inserted IUDs, and the length of IUD retention following 2nd implantation. Instead, it would appear that IUD insertion is safer, more economical, less complicated and more effective the 2nd time than initial IUD insertion. This preliminary conclusion was based on 5 key factors: IUD expulsion due to natural causes, pregnancy during IUD use, unforeseen pregnancy, IUD removal due to medical complications, and IUD removal for non-medical reasons. The authors propose that further investigation of 2nd IUD insertion be conducted in order to derive a more supportable conclusion from the statistics presented.