A declining US unintended pregnancy rate is good news. Full access to IUDs could address the rate even more, for all patients. These recent trial data expand the good news for IUD access.
Dr. Creinin is Professor and Director of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento.
Dr. Schimmoeller is a Fellow, Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento.
Dr. Creinin reports receiving grant or research support (all of which goes to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis) from ContraMed, Medicines360, Merck & Co., and the National Institutes of Health/Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. He reports being a consultant to Allergan, Danco, Estetra, Femasys, HRA Pharma, Lemonaid Health, Medicines360, and Merck & Co. and is a speaker for Allergan and Merck & Co.
Dr. Schimmoeller reports no financial relationships relevant to this article.
In this article
Extended use of LNG IUS
Oral LNG and LNG IUS combo for emergency contraception
STI screening and same-day IUD placement
What this evidence means for practiceThis study provides further reassurance regarding the low risk of pelvic infection among women with an LNG IUS. Insertion of an IUS should not be delayed to await results of Chlamydia or gonorrhea testing in a woman without clinical evidence of pelvic infection. Risk-based, as opposed to universal testing, is imperative.12 These recommendations are in agreement with current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.13,14 Practices that employ 2-visit protocols unnecessarily limit women’s access to the IUS, as research has shown that nearly half of women desiring an IUD do not return for device placement if a second encounter is required.15
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