Intrauterine Methods

A.    Intrauterine Device (IUD) 
The Intrauterine Device (IUD) releases a chemical that damages sperm, making it one of the most effective Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods along with the implant.
It is used by nulliparous and multiparous females and should be monitored monthly after menstruation to check placement.

Consent is required, and a pregnancy test, Pap smear, and cervical culture should be negative before usage.

IUD Types There are two types of IUDs: the 3-5 year hormonal IUD (which can decrease menstrual pain and heavy bleeding but may cause spotting, irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, depression, and breast tenderness) and the 10-year copper IUD (which contains no hormones and is therefore safe for patients cautioned against hormonal birth control methods but may increase menstrual pain and bleeding).

Contraception can be reversed with immediate return to fertility, and it does not interfere with spontaneity.

It is important to report late or abnormal spotting/bleeding, tummy pain during sex, abnormal/foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever, chills, change in string length, or questioned location.

Usage Recommendations IUDs are best used by clients in monogamous relationships to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

However, they can cause irregular menstrual bleeding and increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine perforation, and uterine expulsion.

If pregnancy occurs, the IUD must be removed.

IUDs are contraindicated in patients with an active pelvic infection, abnormal uterine bleeding, or severe uterine distortion.