Proper insertion technique can help prevent many problems, such as infection, expulsion, and perforation.
- Follow proper infection-prevention procedures.
- Use high-level disinfected or sterile instruments. High-level disinfect by boiling, steaming, or soaking them in disinfectant chemicals.
- Use a new, presterilized IUD that is packaged with its inserter.
- The "no-touch" insertion technique is best. This includes not letting the loaded IUD or uterine sound touch any unsterile surfaces (for example, hands, speculum, vagina, table top). The no-touch technique involves:
- Loading the IUD into the inserter while the IUD is still in the sterile package, to avoid touching the IUD directly
- Cleaning the cervix thoroughly with antiseptic before IUD insertion
- Being careful not to touch the vaginal wall or speculum blades with the uterine sound or loaded IUD inserter
- Passing both the uterine sound and the loaded IUD inserter only once each through the cervical canal
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