Copper-Bearing Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

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Recommendations for Contraceptive Use

Copper-Bearing Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Q.11. Following removal of an IUD (for reasons of partial expulsion without infection, or expiration of the IUD), should one wait to insert another?

Recommendations

Rationales

a) If the client wants to continue the method, do not wait to reinsert a new intrauterine device (IUD) after old IUD removal, provided pregnancy has been ruled out, and no new precautions/contraindications have developed (see Q.1.).

b) Make sure removal of the first IUD is indicated (i.e., for reasons of partial expulsion without infection or expiration of the IUD).

a-b) Even with proper technique, the removal and reinsertion of an IUD exposes a woman to the risk of introduction of vaginal and endocervical canal microorganisms into the upper genital tract. Therefore, removal and insertion at the same time avoids two separate exposures.

Farley TM, Rosenberg MJ, Rowe PJ, Chen JH, Meirik O. Intrauterine devices and pelvic inflammatory disease: An international perspective. The Lancet 1992;339:785-788.

In an interval between removal of one IUD and insertion of another, the woman will not be protected against pregnancy by the method of her choice.

Any part of Recommendations for Updating Selected Practices in Contraceptive Use may be reproduced or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the TG/CWG Secretariat, provided the TG/CWG is acknowledged and the material is made available free of charge or at cost.

Last Updated: 09 Jul 2003

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