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= Paid-up subscribersTiming of IUD insertion after termination
22 Nov 2011
Uptake of IUD insertion is greater when it is offered immediately after termination than when insertion is delayed for four to six weeks. Expulsion and bleeding were no higher in the early insertion group a study has found. Dr Chris Barclay reviews the paper, commenting, 'The care of women undergoing termination of pregnancy is incomplete unless a plan for future contraception is addressed. The copper IUD is a reasonable option; it has a low failure rate and requires no further action from the woman for it to be effective. The authors conclude that immediate insertion of a copper IUD after medical termination should be offered routinely to women. The suggestion from this paper is that diligent and proactive attention to post-termination contraception is beneficial although the trend for six-month continuation rates was lower for early IUD insertion. Careful follow-up checking for expulsion is also advisable.'
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