When Is an IUD NOT Recommended?
1. Absolute Contraindications (IUD Should NOT Be Used)
These are situations where an IUD could cause serious harm:
✔ Pregnancy (confirmed or suspected)
- Why? Inserting an IUD during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or infection.
✔ Active Pelvic Infection (PID, STIs, or recent postpartum/post-abortion infection)
- Why? Inserting an IUD can spread bacteria, worsening pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
✔ Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding
- Why? Irregular bleeding could signal cervical or uterine cancer, which needs evaluation first.
✔ Gynecologic Cancers (cervical, uterine, or ovarian)
- Why? An IUD could interfere with treatment or spread cancerous cells.
✔ Severe Uterine Abnormalities (fibroids distorting the cavity, bicornuate uterus)
- Why? The IUD may not fit correctly or could expel.
✔ Allergy to IUD Materials
- Copper IUD: Not safe if you have a copper allergy or Wilson’s disease (a rare copper metabolism disorder).
- Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, etc.): Avoid if you have a progestin allergy.
2. Relative Contraindications (Proceed with Caution)
In these cases, an IUD might still be an option, but risks should be weighed carefully:
⚠ High STI Risk (multiple partners, unprotected sex)
- Why? If exposed to STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, an IUD could increase PID risk.
⚠ Severely Weakened Immune System (HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, immunosuppressant drugs)
- Why? Higher chance of infections.
⚠ History of Ectopic Pregnancy
- Why? While IUDs lower overall pregnancy risk, if pregnancy occurs, it’s more likely to be ectopic.
⚠ Previous IUD Expulsion
- Why? If your body pushed out an IUD before, it might happen again.
⚠ Heavy or Painful Periods (for Copper IUD)
- Why? The copper IUD (Paragard) can make cramps and bleeding worse—hormonal IUDs may be better.
⚠ Current or Recent Breast Cancer (for Hormonal IUDs)
- Why? Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which may not be safe for some hormone-sensitive cancers.
Special Cases: When Timing Matters
- After Childbirth: Wait at least 4 weeks if there’s a higher infection risk.
- After a Septic Abortion or Miscarriage: Delay insertion until infection is fully treated.
So, What’s the Best Birth Control for You?
If an IUD isn’t a good fit, alternatives include:
- Hormonal options (pill, patch, ring, implant, shot)
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm)
- Permanent options (tubal ligation, vasectomy for partners)
Check out This Video Discussing About All the Contraceptive Methods
Final Advice
Always discuss your full medical history with a healthcare provider before choosing birth control. Blood type doesn’t matter—but your health, lifestyle, and risks do!
If you need a consultation regarding contraception, kindly reach out to our telehealth whatsapp consultation Here.
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