Health Conditions

Contraindications

IUDs that are made from copper should not be used by women who are allergic to copper or who have Wilson's disease, an inherited disorder in which too much copper accumulates in the body. Women who are pregnant should not use an IUD. Additionally, IUDs should not be used by women who have or have ever had:

• Abortion procedure that resulted in a pelvic infection in the previous 3 months
• Active cervical or vaginal infection
• Active pelvic infection (including known or suspected chlamydia or gonorrhea)
• Cervical or uterine cancer
• Previous ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg that has implanted outside the uterus)
• Multiple sexual partners or one partner who has multiple sexual partners
• Increased susceptibility to infections caused by:
  • Diseases of the immune system (such as HIV)
  • IV drug abuse
  • Use of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as chemotherapy and certain medications used for transplantation)

Precautions

Women who plan to have children may want to choose another method of contraception, because of the very slight possibility that using an IUD may affect the future ability to get pregnant. IUDs should also be used with caution by women who are breast-feeding, who have never given birth to a child, who live in rural areas that are far away from healthcare facilities, or who have or ever have had:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Bleeding disorder
• Blood type that is incompatible with her partner?s blood type
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Endometrial polyps (abnormal growths on the lining of the uterus)
• Endometriosis (a condition in which cells of the endometrium ? the lining of the uterus - grow outside the uterus)
• Endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining)
• Fainting spells
• Heart valve disease
• Inability to check the IUD string
• Inability to notice danger signs*
• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• Pelvic infection (within the previous 3 months)
• Pelvic surgery
• Severe dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Uterine fibroids (benign tumors of the uterus)

* Danger signs include (PAINS)
Period that is late (pregnancy) or abnormal bleeding
Abdominal (stomach) pain or pain with intercourse
Infection or abnormal vaginal discharge
Not feeling well (fever/chills)
String is missing or is shorter/longer than usual

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.