Hesperian Health Guides
Help a woman decide if an IUD is right for her
HealthWiki > A Book for Midwives > Chapter 21: How to insert an IUD > Help a woman decide if an IUD is right for her
Contents
Advantages of IUDs
- They are very effective. Very few women with IUDs become pregnant.
- They can be taken out at any time if the woman wants to become pregnant.
- They are easy to use. Once an IUD has been inserted into the womb, the woman only has to check to make sure it is still there once a month. She does not need to check it before or after having sex.
- Hormonal IUDs release progestin into the body. This can reduce cramping and make monthly bleeding very light or stop altogether.
Disadvantages of IUDs
- IUDs do not protect women from getting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- A woman cannot put in or take out an IUD herself. A woman who uses an IUD must be able to get to a medical center that can help her if she has problems because of the IUD or that can remove the IUD if she wants to get pregnant.
- IUDs can cause changes in monthly bleeding. Copper IUDs are more likely to cause an increase in cramping or bleeding. Hormonal IUDs are more likely to cause light, irregular bleeding or spotting.
Who should not use an IUD
Do not insert an IUD in a woman who:
- has an STI. If a woman has an IUD inserted when she has an STI, that infection can easily spread to her womb. Womb infections can cause infertility and are very dangerous. Before you insert an IUD, the woman should be tested for STIs.
- had an abortion, miscarriage, or gave birth within the last 4 weeks.
- has fibroids that cause the inside of her womb to be an unusual shape.
- has a womb that is an unusual shape.
Do not insert an IUD made with copper in a woman who is allergic to copper.
Freedom to choose or refuse an IUD
In some places, women are pushed to use IUDs. Some women are given IUDs without even being told that an IUD has been inserted. This happens when doctors or health workers are under pressure from local or international governments and aid groups to give IUDs to women even if the women do not want them.
These policies take away a woman’s right to choose when and if she wants to use family planning. Every woman should have the right to make that choice herself.
Never pressure a woman to use an IUD. Learn more about IUDs. Every woman must understand all the risks and benefits in order to decide if she wants an IUD or not. Make sure that she does before you insert one for her.