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What To Expect During an IUD Insertion (ParaGard IUD or Mirena IUD)

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 22, 2009

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Measuring the Uterus and Cervical Canal

Sound - Measuring the Uterus

Artistic Rendition Reprinted with permission from Dawn Stacey
Your doctor will now insert a sterile instrument called a sound to measure the length and direction of the cervical canal and uterus. This procedure reduces the risk of perforating the uterus (having the IUD puncture through), which usually occurs because the IUD is inserted too deeply or at the wrong angle.

Your doctor will make sure to avoid any contact with the vagina or speculum blades. The uterine sound has a round tip at the end to help prevent perforation (puncturing the uterus).

Some doctors may use an endometrial aspirator as an alternative to the uterine sound, which does the same thing. It is important that the doctor determine that your uterine depth is between 6 and 9 cm as an IUD should not be inserted if the depth of the uterus is less than 6 cm.

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