The IUD normally stays within the uterus like a seed within a shell. Very rarely, the IUD may come through the wall of the uterus and rest in the abdomen. This is probably due to a mistake-during insertion and not to slow movement through the wall of the uterus. The IUD never travels to any other part of the body.

In general, no. A woman can become pregnant after her IUD is removed. But the IUD does not protect her from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A woman should understand that the IUD may somewhat increase her chances of getting pelvic inflammatory disease if she gets STDs. These infections make her infertile. Therefore, it is important for a woman who uses an IUD to have sex with only one, uninfected man and for him to have sex only with her.

Yes, as long as she does not have sexually transmitted diseases and there is little chance that she will get any. The IUD is not the best method for a woman who has not had a baby and wants a baby in the future. Also, the uterus of a woman who has not had children is sometimes too small for an IUD.

Yes, if the person who inserts her IUD has been properly trained. The IUD can be inserted after a vaginal delivery or through the abdominal incision after a cesarean section (surgical delivery).

Yes. An IUD can be inserted after an abortion or miscarriage unless she has a pelvic infection. Insertion following miscarriage after 16 weeks gestation requires special training.

No. An IUD can be inserted at any time during her menstrual cycle if it is reasonably sure that the woman is not pregnant. During her period may be a good time because she is not likely to be pregnant, and insertion may be easier for some women. It is not as easy to see signs of infection during menstruation, however. Some providers like to insert the IUD midway through the menstrual cycle because the mouth of the cervix is a little wider then.

Not necessarily. When IUD insertion is done correctly with well-screened clients, there is little risk of infection for healthy women, and antibiotics are not necessary for IUD insertion. In any case, most recent research suggests that antibiotics do not significantly reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

No. There is no minimum or maximum age, so long as the woman is not at risk for a sexually transmitted disease and is properly counseled about the advantages and disadvantages of the IUD. An IUD should be removed from the woman after menopause at least one year after her last menstrual period.

Yes. If it is reasonably certain that she is not pregnant and has no infections, there is no medical reason for a separate visit. It may be inconvenient for a woman to come back again. Also, she may become pregnant before she returns to have her IUD inserted.

Yes. IUD's are safe for women with diabetes. Women with diabetes are at greater risk of many infections, however they should see a nurse or doctor if they notice possible signs of sexually transmitted disease or other infection, particularly just after IUD insertion.

No. This is not necessary, and it may be harmful. There is less risk of pelvic infection in replacing an IUD at one time than in 2 separate procedures. Also, a woman could become pregnant before her new IUD is inserted.

The latest models of copper-bearing lUD's are effective for many years. The TCu-380A has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for 10 years of use. (It probably can prevent pregnancy even longer.)

Generally, no. Sometimes a man can feel the strings. If this bothers him, cutting the strings shorter should solve the problem. The woman should be told beforehand, however, that this will mean she will not be able to feel the strings to check her IUD, and removing her IUD may be more difficult. A man may feel discomfort during sex if the IUD has started to come out through the cervix. If a woman suspects this, she should see a doctor or nurse immediately.