Who can use IUDs?

IUDs can be used by most women of reproductive age, with few exceptions.

IUDs are particularly useful for women who want a highly effective medium- or long-term method of contraception that does not require re-supply or action at the time of sexual intercourse. IUDs are suitable for women who want to delay their first pregnancy, space their pregnancies or have no more children.

The long term safety and effectiveness of IUDs, particularly the Cu-T 380A, which is highly effective for at least 12 years, makes them a reversible and convenient alternative to surgical sterilization for women who do not want to have any more children.

The following are categories of women who have been sometimes incorrectly denied IUDs. Those who:

• Are young (e.g., under 20 years old).
• Are nulliparous (women who have not yet had children).
• Live in a region of high STI prevalence.
• Had PID in the past, if at the present she is not at very high individual risk of STIs.
• Have vaginitis (including trichomonas vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis).
• HIV-positive (not including women with active, untreated AIDS).
• Have irregular, heavy or prolonged bleeding (in most instances).
• Have anemia.

For more details on who can use IUDs see:

• WHO’s Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use [About this document]
• INFO Reports: WHO Updates Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptives [About this document]
• FHI’s Quick Reference Chart for the WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria [About this document]
• Checklist for Screening Clients Who Want to Initiate Use of the Copper IUD [About this document]

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