What are the disadvantages of the IUD?
• Dependent on a trained provider for insertion and removal • Some pain, cramping, minor bleeding when inserted in the uterus • For the copper IUD, clients may experience heavier or longer menstrual periods, increased cramping, and bleeding or spotting, which is fairly common in the first three months after insertion • Serious complications require immediate attention and good back-up medical services • If standard infection prevention practices are not followed, insertion may put client at risk of infection • If the client has a current chlamydial or gonococal infection, IUD insertion may place client at risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent infertility; an IUD should not be inserted in the presence of such infections • Like all other contraceptives other than male and female condoms, the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
• Dependent on a trained provider for insertion and removal • Some pain, cramping, minor bleeding when inserted in the uterus • For the copper IUD, clients may experience heavier or longer menstrual periods, increased cramping, and bleeding or spotting, which is fairly common in the first three months after insertion • Serious complications require immediate attention and good back-up medical services • If standard infection prevention practices are not followed, insertion may put client at risk of infection • If the client has a current chlamydial or gonococal infection, IUD insertion may place client at risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent infertility; an IUD should not be inserted in the presence of such infections • Like all other contraceptives other than male and female condoms, the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
