Immediate Versus Delayed Insertion of the Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD) After Medication Abortion

Women presenting for medication abortion are highly motivated to initiate contraception and are also at high risk for repeat pregnancy. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most effective reversible methods. IUD insertion is routinely planned for at least four weeks after medication abortion. This leaves women vulnerable to pregnancy while waiting for IUD placement, and many will not return for this visit. While immediate IUD insertion after surgical abortion is known to be safe and effective, it has not been studied after medication abortion. This study will recruit women undergoing medication abortion at Special Gynecology Services who desire an IUD for contraception. Women will be randomized to two groups: immediate insertion of the copper IUD at the routine one week follow up visit, or delayed insertion of the copper IUD at least four weeks after the medication abortion. The primary objective of this study is to compare six month IUD prevalence between the immediate and delayed IUD insertion groups. Secondary outcomes include comparison of IUD insertion rates, continuation rates, expulsion and removal rates, and use of any contraception at six months. Pain experienced during insertion and provider ease of insertion will be recorded. A diary collected for four weeks following medication abortion will reveal the impact of early IUD placement on bleeding and cramping. Lastly, we will correlate endometrial stripe thickness and IUD position to outcomes of interest: continuation, expulsion, and removal rates.