Insertion of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) After Medical Abortion

Women who seek abortion care often desire more effective or longer- lasting contraception. Intrauterine devices are as efficacious as tubal ligation, require no on-going effort on the woman's part to protect her from pregnancy, and are underutilized in the US. We are interested in determining whether placement of an intreatuereine device (IUD) at the time of confirming the completion of a medical abortion may have similar expulsion and continuation rates as IUDs placed after pregnancy (usually a 4-6 week time period). If this is the case, women may save the time and effort of yet another clinic visit, as well as have immediate protection against pregnancy after their abortion. FDA labeling does not specify or restrict time of insertion and therefore this study is in compliance with FDA labeling.

Inclusion criteria

• Women who completed a medical abortion in the last 14 days
• At least 18 years old.
• Desiring long-term contraception with an IUD.
• Able and willing to give consent for participation in research.
• Gonorrhea and chlamydia screen negative within 60 days of entry to study.
• Willing to comply with the study requirements.
• Accessible by telephone.

Exclusion criteria

• Had pelvic inflammatory disease or a septic abortion within the past 3 months or gonorrheal or chlamydial infection in the last 60 days.
• Allergy to copper, or Wilson's disease (for Paragard; may have Mirena)
• Intracavitary of symptomatic uterine fibroids.
• Ovarian, cervical or endometrial cancer.
• Severe anemia (defined as hgb < 8).