Post-Procedure Patient Care
You should inform your patient that she may experience mild spotting and cramping for a few days after the procedure. If these symptoms are severe and not relieved with ibuprofen, then she should come back to the office for an evaluation.
You should also review the following points with your patient:
She may take ibuprofen 800mg before or after IUD insertion
Advise her to feel for the IUD strings after her menses each month
She should use a second method of contraception until after her next menses (if the IUD is placed during the luteal phase)
You may plan a follow-up appointment after your patient's next menses to check the presence of IUD strings and address any concerns
She may conceive immediately after removal of the IUD
The IUD is usually removed because the patient experiences adverse effects or medical complications, or the IUD expires. You can easily remove the IUD by grasping the strings at the external os with ring forceps and applying a steady pull.
After inserting the IUD, you will have to document the procedure in the patient's chart. Important components of documentation include:
Negative pregnancy test
Depth of uterine cavity
Download a sample template for documenting IUD insertion (.doc).
Links to patient education handouts: