Title: Insertion and removal
Course: Family Planning - Ethiopia (Full)

Insertion and removal

You will not be expected to insert or remove IUCDs. These procedures should be performed only by service providers who have been trained, such as physicians, nurses and midwives. However, it is important to understand the problems associated with IUCDs, such as IUCD expulsion, infection, and uterine perforation. These are not common, but when they do occur they are often due to improper insertion techniques.

Although IUCD insertion and removal procedures are relatively simple, there are several separate steps to be performed in a specific sequence. These steps must be integrated with the appropriate infection prevention and counselling measures, to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the woman. At your level and setting it may be difficult to perform these procedures, but you need to tell women where to go and when to have such services.