Intrauterine device (IUD)

Pregnancy prevention for up to ten years, remove at any time

IUD

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IUDs

IUDs are kind of long-term methods of contraceptive (coper and levonorgestrel), which are in two types:

  1. The TCu-380A intrauterine device.
  2. For the levonorgestrel intrauterine device
  3. 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.
  4. 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).

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

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