Benefits and Risks
Prior to IUD insertion, you should counsel your patient about the advantages and the risks and side effects of the IUD and other forms of contraception. In general, IUD insertion is a relatively safe procedure, and the IUD is generally well-tolerated by patients. Your patient should review the brochure that the manufacturer includes with the IUD; the brochure also contains a place for patient consent. Make sure that you address all of your patient's concerns because a well-informed patient is more likely to continue with the IUD method.
Benefits of IUD Use:
Highly effective (less than 1% risk of pregnancy)
Long-acting
Safe with few side effects
Rapidly reversible
Cost-effective over time
Convenient (requires single visit to place IUD)
Risks/Side Effects of the IUD:
Cramping
Uterine infection
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Expulsion
Uterine perforation
Contraceptive failure
Potential adverse effects of the copper-releasing IUD:
Heavy menses
Dysmenorrhea
Potential adverse effects of the progestin-releasing IUD:
Menstrual irregularities, particularly amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea
Hormonal side effects (mood changes, acne, headache, nausea, breast tenderness)