Female sterilization

This issue of eMedRef provides information to clinicians on the counseling about, approaches to, and timing of female sterilization

What are contraindications to IUDs?

Based on limited evidence, use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is not contraindicated for women with HIV/AIDS (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C), multiple sexual partners (SOR: C), previous actinomyces colonization (SOR: C), most types of fibroids (SOR: C), or previous ectopic pregnancy (SOR: C). The risk to IUD users of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is similar to women using no contraception (SOR: B). Nulliparous women may experience increased insertion discomfort and higher rates of expulsion (SOR: B). IUD use of <3.5 years is not associated with decreased fertility (SOR: B)

What are the risks to the fetus associated with diagnostic radiation exposure during pregnancy?

There is no evidence of significant risk to the developing fetus from any single diagnostic x-ray exposure (strength of recommendation: C, based on non-homogenous case-control studies). No studies were found on fetal exposure risks from other forms of diagnostic radiation such as computed tomography (CT) scans, fluoroscopy, or mammography. Prudent clinicians should order only those studies that result in clinically important information and efforts should be made to minimize fetal exposure