Intrauterine Contraception Overview



Intrauterine Contraception Overview





The inclusion of progestins in intrauterine devices (IUDs) has given rise to the terms “intrauterine system” (IUS) and “intrauterine contraception” (IUC). Currently, both progestin- and copper-containing IUS products are available in the United States: ParaGard (Cu T 380A), Mirena (LNg 20-IUD), Skyla (LNg 13.5), and Liletta (LNg 52). Of these, ParaGard is the only true IUD; the others systems release a progestin (levonorgestrel, LNg) into the uterus at a constant rate. ParaGard, Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta can provide long-term contraception. For clarity, the term IUD will be used most often throughout this book as patients may not fully understand the differences. In circumstances where the systemic effect of a IUS is most prominent, the term IUS will be used. Triage personnel should discuss what term or terms their providers prefer and under which circumstances IUD or IUS is most appropriately used in their facility.

Intrauterine contraception definitely is underused in this country for several reasons. Probably the most prominent cause is misunderstanding about the potential risks. Severe pelvic infections can be a result of IUD use. However, proper selection of candidates for this method greatly reduces the potential for problems. Risk factors for pelvic infection directly parallel a woman’s risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) exposure. Women at low STI risk, who have borne children, and who may be looking for a method with the potential for long-term contraception may find this a convenient, and over time, cost-effective method. Under extenuating circumstances, these devices can be inserted in primiparous women who have been properly screened and counseled, for whom other good options do not exist, and who are fully informed of potential risks. This is an issue that should be discussed between a woman and her provider and is generally a discussion beyond a typical triage call.

These methods have other advantages. Copper IUDs have been inserted postcoitally for emergency contraception. The progesterone-releasing IUDs decrease menstrual symptoms, and they may have other beneficial uses, such as decreasing symptoms of fibroids and adenomyosis and providing progestin support during hormone therapy (HT).

Even if your office or clinic does not insert intrauterine contraception, you need to be familiar with triaging patient complaints. Because of the long-term approval for some of these methods (10 years for ParaGard, 5 years for Mirena, and 3 years for Skyla and Liletta). It is not uncommon for a patient to present herself at a facility other than the facility where it initially was inserted.


The following acronym often is used to educate patients to early warning signs of problems with these devices and systems:

P, Unexpected period (pregnancy), abnormal spotting or bleeding;

A, Abdominal pain, pain with intercourse;

I, Infection exposure (STIs), abnormal discharge;

N, Not feeling well, fever, chills;

S, String missing, shorter or longer.

Copper IUDs are contraindicated in women who are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding, gestational trophoblastic disease, pregnancy, current endometrial cancer, cervical cancer (until treated), current pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), active purulent cervicitis, anatomic abnormality of the uterus (if it will interfere with IUD insertion), pelvic tuberculosis (TB), lupus with accompanying thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplantation with complications, AIDS and not on antiretroviral therapy, puerperal sepsis, copper allergy, history of ectopic pregnancy or endometritis, or an autoimmune condition that predisposes the patient to an infection (leukemia, autoimmune disorder).

The LNg IUSs have the same contraindications as the copper IUD, with the exception of a history of copper allergy. Additionally, they may have more potential interactions with other medications. There is an excellent website where providers can go to determine if a medication may affect women who have an LNg IUS: https://www.drugs.com/cdi/levonorgestrel-iud.html.


» BASIC TRIAGE ASSESSMENT FORM FOR INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTION



  • What type of IUD or IUS do you have? _______________________________________________


  • How long has it been in place? _____________________________________________________


  • When was your last menstrual period, and are your menstrual periods regular for you? _____________________________________________________________________________________


  • Have you had any change in menstrual symptoms recently? ____________________________


  • Have you experienced any pelvic pain or vaginal discharge lately? __________________



Abdominal Pain/Cramping and Intrauterine Contraception




» Actions


STEP A: Recent Insertion of Intrauterine Device/Intrauterine System

Cramping and pain after insertion should resolve rapidly, usually within the first 1 to 2 hours. Pain that persists and increases, particularly with abdominal tenderness, warrants evaluation.

Mild pain may be treated with acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) per the manufacturer’s recommendation or as preferred by your office/clinic.

Ask the patient to feel for the string. If it is not present, the patient should be seen as soon as possible (ASAP) to rule out the possibility of perforation of the uterus or device expulsion.

The patient should monitor her symptoms and check for fever. She should call back if her temperature is greater than 100.4° F or there is an increase in symptoms.


STEP B: First Menses After Insertion

An increase in cramping at the time of menstruation may be expected particularly with the first cycle. Cramping will decrease over time with LNg IUSs.

See instructions in Step A.

Instruct the patient to call back if symptoms persist beyond menses.


STEP C: Severe Pain

The potential serious complications are uterine perforation, infection, or pregnancy. The patient needs immediate referral. See her within a few hours at your facility or refer her to an emergency room (ER). The patient should not drive herself.

May 8, 2019 | Posted by in OBSTETRICS | Comments Off on Intrauterine Contraception Overview

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access