Intrauterine device (IUD)
Pregnancy prevention for up to ten years, remove at any time
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IUDs
IUDs are kind of long-term methods of contraceptive (coper and levonorgestrel), which are in two types:
- The TCu-380A intrauterine device.
- For the levonorgestrel intrauterine device
- The copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD): is a small, flexible plastic frame with copper sleeves or wire around it. A specifically trained health care provider inserts it into a woman’s uterus through her vagina and cervix.
- The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD): is a T-shaped plastic device that steadily releases a small amount of levonorgestrel each day. (Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone also used in some contraceptive implants and oral contraceptive pills).
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Insertion and removal of IUD
- Contraceptive protection is immediate with the exception of an IUS inserted after the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. In this case, contraceptive protection takes 7 days.
- Contraceptive protection is immediately stopped following removal.
- The client should know how long their IUD/IUS is effective for, as after that time they will not be protected against pregnancy. They will need to return for a replacement or alternative contraception if they want ongoing protection:
Key points
An IUD/IUS can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle.
- The copper IUD can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle, if reasonably certain the client is not pregnant or at risk of pregnancy.
- There is no need for a backup contraceptive method after insertion.
- The LNG-IUS can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle, if not inserted in the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle, use a backup contraceptive method (e.g., condoms) for 7 days post-insertion.
- When inserting either an IUD or an IUS, always do all that is possible to exclude a pregnancy and make sure that the client consent form includes language on the remote possibility of a pregnancy.
- An IUD/IUS can be inserted immediately after a surgical abortion•
- An IUD/IUS can be inserted within 48 hours following birth, and once4 weeks have elapsed after giving birth (but not between 48 hours and4 weeks of giving birth.
- An IUD/IUS should not be inserted if examination indicates infection or pathology.
Removal of IUD Key points
- An IUD/IUS must be removed if it has expired.
- An IUD/IUD can be removed at any time at the request of the client.
- If the client wants removal for common side effects of the IUD/IUS, discuss the issues they are having and ask if they would like to keep their IUD/IUS if the problem can be managed. If not, the IUD/IUS should be removed immediately.
- IUD/IUS removal is a simple procedure that requires the client to lie flat on their back, in a private and clean environment. Clients are required to undergo a pelvic examination.
- If the IUD/IUS is removed within the first 5 days of the client’s menstrual period and they are switching to injectable contraceptives, an implant, or to combined oral contraceptives/progestogen-only pills (or on day 1 of the client’s menstrual cycle for the estradiol valerate/dienogest pill), there is no need for a backup method.
Find your best fit
If you’re unsure what method is best for you, take our online contraception quiz.
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If you’re considering an Intrauterine device (IUD), or thinking about using a new method of contraception, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation.
Call us toll-free for a confidential talk on: