Advice for patients after IUD insertion

Provide advice about when the IUD will become effective, and give information about the warning signs of pelvic infection.

Advise that nothing be inserted in the vagina for 48 hours (avoid penetrative intercourse, tampons, menstrual cups, swimming or baths).

Although there is insufficient evidence to determine whether use of a menstrual cup is associated with a risk of IUD expulsion, there are reports of this occurring soon after IUD insertion and with longer-term use. Advise individuals who wish to continue using a menstrual cup to ensure suction is released before the cup is removed, and that the IUD thread is not caught between the vaginal wall and cup edge.

Advise users to regularly check for the presence of the threads and to seek medical attention if the threads cannot be felt or thread length has changed because this may indicate abnormal positioning of the IUD.