Same-Day STD Testing and Placement of Intrauterine Contraception

Pelvic infection was rare and not linked to placement of intrauterine contraception.

Despite prior reassuring findings (NEJM Journal Watch Womens Health Jan 2013 and Obstet Gynecol 2012; 120:1314), some clinicians remain concerned that intrauterine contraception (IUC) may increase risk for pelvic infection. To evaluate this risk, investigators assessed 1751 women for 2 years following placement of a 52-mg levonorgestrel IUC. On enrollment, participants were screened for Chlamydia and gonorrhea (with subsequent screening per CDC guidelines).

Results of sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening prior to IUC placement were available for 20% of participants. With or without these screening results, pelvic infection was rare (0.5%) and was not temporally linked to IUC placement. Further, most infections were successfully treat…

Reviewing Author

Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD, MS

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPlanned Parenthood Federation of America

Grant/Research SupportSociety of Family Planning; California Department of Public Health Tobacco Control Program

Editorial BoardsContraception; Journal of General Internal Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCouncil Member, Society of General Internal Medicine