Intrauterine device insertion after medical abortion

Background: Studies comparing immediate intrauterine device (IUD) insertion after first-trimester surgical abortion with interval insertion show similar efficacy and expulsion rates. However, women randomized to interval insertion of an IUD are less likely to return for device placement. An ideal time to insert intrauterine contraception may be the day a woman presents for verification of a completed medical abortion. We examined immediate insertion of IUDs after completed first-trimester medical abortion.

Study design: This is a prospective, observational clinical study to determine expulsion rates of intrauterine contraception placed immediately after confirmed, completed first-trimester medical abortion.

Results: Of 118 subjects, 78 women had levonorgestrel IUDs placed, whereas 41 women received copper IUDs. Of 97 subjects who completed the study, there were 4 clinical expulsions (4.1%) during 3 months of follow-up. There were no diagnosed pelvic infections, pregnancies, or uterine perforations. The continuation rate at 3 months was 80%.

Conclusion: Intrauterine devices inserted at the time of completed, confirmed first-trimester medical abortion have low rates of expulsion.