Immediate postabortion insertion of an IUD

Abstract

Conception may occur as early as 10 days postabortion. Therefore, immediate postabortum insertion (IPI) of an IUD reduces the danger of exposure to an unwanted pregnancy in the interval and offers better protection against repeat abortion than delayed insertion. Patient motivation to use contraception appears to be highest at the time of termination of an unwanted pregnancy. Complication and pregnancy rates of IPI are comparable with postmenstrual insertion. No serious complications are on record in the world literature; particularly, no cases of infection or perforation have been reported. These facts make IPI not only an acceptable but a highly advisable technique of family planning. In 1977, the American Food and Drug Administration rescinded its earlier prohibition and approved the IPI method. Nulliparous women should be inserted with a copper device, parous women with a Lippes loop.