New Problems That May Require Switching Methods

May or may not be due to method.

Unexplained vaginal bleeding (that suggests a medical condition not related to the method)

• Refer or evaluate by history or pelvic examination. Diagnose and treat as appropriate.
• She can continue using the IUD while her condition is being evaluated.
• If bleeding is caused by sexually transmitted infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, she can continue using the IUD during treatment.

Suspected pregnancy

• Assess for pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy.
• Explain that an IUD in the uterus during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery or miscarriage, including infected (septic) miscarriage during the first or second trimester, which can be life-threatening.
• If the woman does not want to continue the pregnancy, counsel her according to program guidelines.
• If she continues the pregnancy:
  • Advise her that it is best to remove the IUD.
  • Explain the risks of pregnancy with an IUD in place. Early removal of the IUD reduces these risks, although the removal procedure itself involves a small risk of miscarriage.
  • If she agrees to removal, gently remove the IUD or refer for removal.
  • Explain that she should return at once if she develops any signs of miscarriage or septic miscarriage (vaginal bleeding, cramping, pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, or fever).
  • If she chooses to keep the IUD, her pregnancy should be followed closely by a nurse or doctor. She should see a nurse or doctor at once if she develops any signs of septic miscarriage.
• If the IUD strings cannot be found in the cervical canal and the IUD cannot be safely retrieved, refer for ultrasound, if possible, to determine whether the IUD is still in the uterus. If it is, or if ultrasound is not available, her pregnancy should be followed closely. She should seek care at once if she develops any signs of septic miscarriage.

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