Contraception
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Contraception

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

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated: August 30, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

See More About:

4 of 10

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.

Explore Contraception
About.com Special Features
Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
Contraception
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Contraception
  4. Prescription Options
  5. IUD
  6. IUD Insertion – What To Expect - Measuring the Uterus

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.