Can an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) be used by a woman who has never had children?
IUDs are highly effective and safe for long-term contraceptive use for women at low risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the past, many health care providers have been reluctant to provide women with IUDs because of a concern about the potential risk of infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is especially concerning because it can be associated with infertility. This would obviously be of great concern to a woman who has never had a child before. Fortunately, the increase in risk of infection associated with IUD use appears to be related only to the insertion process. After the first month of use, the risk of infection is not significantly higher than in women without IUDs Results of a large study confirmed that nulliparous women (women that have never had a baby) could safely use the IUD without affecting their future fertility, provided that they were al low risk for sexually transmitted infections. In summary, nulliparity is not a contraindication to IUD
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