top of page
Great Expectations Durham
Family doctors growing families
IUD Pre-Insertion Instructions
An IUD or IUS is an excellent form of effective birth control for many women.
If you have decided to proceed with the insertion it is important that the following instructions are followed carefully
Remember:
- Ideally the insertion is done during your normal menstrual bleeding or a couple of months postpartum. This is because the cervix (bottom of the uterus through which the IUD is inserted is slightly open. If you are not having menstrual periods, see below.
- Once your period starts DO NOT have sexual intercourse until 2-3days after the insertion is done.
- Book your appointment for the insertion for day 3 or 4 after the estimated start of your period. If your period starts earlier or has not started by the day before your appointment, then call your doctor’s office.
- If your normal period is shorter we can usually still do the insertion up to 7-10 days after the first day of bleeding even if bleeding is over.
- We require that you have a negative pregnancy test prior to insertion (we will arrange this after you decide an IUD is right for you). Once we have done this, please do not have intercourse prior to the insertion.
You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprophen (Advil) for cramps that may occur after insertion.
Finally, please eat a good breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment; it will help you feel better during and after the procedure.
References
PIPC
bottom of page