Nearly All Women Can Use LNG-IUDs

LNG-IUDs are safe and effective for nearly all women, including women who:

  • Have or have not had children
  • Are married or are not married
  • Are of any age, including adolescents and women over 40 years old. 
  • Have just had an abortion or miscarriage (if no evidence of infection)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Do hard physical work
  • Have had ectopic pregnancy
  • Have had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Have vaginal infections
  • Have anemia
  • Have HIV clinical disease that is mild or with no symptoms, whether or not they are on antiretroviral therapy (see LNG-IUD for Women With HIV)

Avoid Unnecessary Procedures

(see Importance of Procedures in Chapter 26 – Family Planning Provision)

Women can begin using IUDs:

  • Without cervical cancer screening
  • Without a breast examination
  • Without a blood pressure check
A pelvic examination and an STI risk assessment are essential. When available, a hemoglobin test and laboratory tests for STIs including HIV can contribute to safe and effective use.