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Contraception - emergency - Management
What aftercare advice should I give?

Advise a woman who has had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted that:

  • She should have a pregnancy test if her next menstruation is more than 5–7 days late, if bleeding is lighter than usual, or if she feels that she might be pregnant [FFPRHC, 2006b].
  • She should check regularly that the IUD is still in place, and may need teaching how to do this.
  • She should seek medical help if she suspects that she is pregnant.
  • An emergency IUD can be removed (without increasing the risk of contraceptive failure) at any time after the next menstruation if no unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred since the previous menses, or if hormonal contraception was started within the first 5 days of that cycle [FFPRHC, 2006b].
  • She should return for a follow-up assessment 3–6 weeks after insertion of the IUD to exclude infection, perforation, or expulsion [National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, 2005].
  • There is a small risk of pelvic infection in the 20 days after an IUD is inserted, but thereafter the risk is the same as for women not using an IUD [FFPRHC, 2006b].
  • She should return at any time to discuss problems, if she wants to change her method of contraception, or if she wants the IUD removed [National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, 2005].

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