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Contraception - Management
What follow-up is required following insertion of the copper intrauterine device (IUD)?
- Routine follow up is recommended 3–6 weeks after insertion of the copper intrauterine device (IUD) to exclude infection, perforation and expulsion.
- In addition, the woman should return (or seek professional advice) if she:
- Is unable to detect the thread(s) of her IUD.
- Wants to change the method or it is time to have the IUS removed or changed.
- Has missed her period, or has other reasons to think that she might be pregnant.
- Has problems such as:
- Has an unexpected change in pattern of bleeding — further investigations will be needed to exclude infection, pregnancy, and gynaecological pathology.
Clarification / Additional information
- Follow up is recommended to exclude the possibility of infection, perforation of the uterus, and expulsion of the copper intrauterine device [FFPRHC, 2004a].
Basis for recommendation
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