Pre-Insertion Instructions for Placement of Intrauterine Device or Implant
Insurance Considerations
Check with your insurance carrier regarding your out-of-pocket expense for IUD (Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, Paragard) or implant (Nexplanon) placement at UNC Campus Health. The IUD/Implant insurance form worksheet must be completed prior to scheduling the appointment unless your insurance is the BCBS student or graduate plan. Continue using your current contraceptive method consistently and correctly. Your provider will advise you regarding the discontinuation of your current method after the IUD or implant placement.
Pregnancy Considerations
You will need to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test on the day of your IUD or implant placement.
A healthcare provider can be reasonably certain that a person with a uterus is not pregnant if that person has no symptoms or signs of pregnancy and meets any one of the following criteria:
- Is less than or equal to 7 days after the start of normal menses
- Has not had sexual intercourse since the start of last normal menses
- Has been correctly and consistently using a reliable method of contraception
- Is within 7 days after spontaneous or induced abortion
- Is within 4 weeks postpartum
- Is fully or nearly fully breastfeeding, amenorrheic and less than 6 months postpartum
Comfort Considerations
You may want to bring a support person with you to your appointment.
If you are getting an IUD placed, take an over-the-counter medication for cramping like ibuprofen or naproxen. Take one or the other and be sure to take it with food.
- Ibuprofen (Advil) Take 3-4 of 200 mg tablets 30 minutes prior to the appointment
- Naproxen (Aleve) Take 2 of the 220 mg tablets 30 minutes prior to the appointment
*If you are allergic to ibuprofen or naproxen or should be avoiding these kinds of medications, consult with a provider.
Post Care Instructions
Nexplanon (implant)
After placement, you may have bruising or tenderness at the site. Keep the bandage on the arm and keep the area dry for at least 24 hrs.
IUD
After placement...
- Have someone in mind to call if you need a ride home after the placement or bring a support person with you.
- Plan to rest the remainder of the day.
- Return in 4-6 weeks for a follow-up visit to check the IUD strings.
- Bleeding and cramping are common post-IUD insertion symptoms. Continue to take ibuprofen or naproxen with food for cramping pain: 3 tablets of ibuprofen (600 mg total) every 6 hours or 2 tablets of naproxen (440 mg total) every 12 hours.