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IUD Toolkit

Up-to-date evidence and best practices related to the Intrauterine Device

Gain a sense of client’s knowledge, attitudes, expectations and any concerns about the IUD in order to address as appropriate.
Discuss important advantages of the IUD, tailored to client’s situation, for example:
- High effectiveness
- Long duration of effectiveness
- Safety (serious complications are rare)
- Not related to sex
- Rapid return to fertility
- Etc.
Discuss important disadvantages of the IUD, tailored to client’s situation, for example:
- Should not be used by women at very high individual risk of STIs.
- Various common side effects (for example: pain, bleeding)
- Requires insertion by a trained health provider
- Etc.
Assess with client her individual STI risk regarding choice of IUD.
Describe side effects, discomfort on insertion, etc. and client’s feelings about them.
Address common myths (as appropriate).
Provide a simple description of insertion procedure.
Plan routine follow-up after the first menses or three to six weeks following insertion.
Advise on other reasons to return including any time client has problems or concerns.
Discuss when and how to have IUD removed.