Intrauterine Device Training, Attitudes, and Practices Among U.S. Health Care Providers: Findings from a Nationwide Survey

Background: Provider training in intrauterine device (IUD) procedures is a key strategy for improving evidence-based IUD care. We examined the influence of IUD training on IUD attitudes and practices among U.S. family planning providers. Methods: In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of U.S. family planning providers. We performed logistic regression to examine associations between training in routine IUD placement and specific IUD safety attitudes, confidence performing IUD procedures, and specific IUD practices. Results: Among 1,063 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, 85.1% reported training in routine IUD placement. Overall, IUD training was associated with accurately stating IUDs are safe for queried groups, including patients immediately postpartum (prevalence ratio [PR] 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–13.85). Trained providers reported higher confidence in routine IUD placement for parous (PR 7.71; 95% CI 1.31–45.3) and nulliparous (PR 7.12; 95% CI 1.17–43.5) women and in IUD removal (PR 2.06; 95% CI 1.12–3.81). Among providers with IUDs available onsite, IUD training was associated with frequent same-day IUD provision for adults (PR 7.32; 95% CI 2.16–24.79) and adolescents (PR 7.63; 95% CI 2.22–26.24). Trained providers were also less likely to routinely use misoprostol before IUD placement for nulliparous (PR 0.19; 95% CI 0.11–0.33) and parous women (PR 0.07; 95% CI 0.03–0.16). Conclusion: Training in routine IUD placement was associated with evidence-based IUD safety attitudes, confidence in performing IUD procedures, and clinical practices aligned with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contraception guidance. Expanding IUD training might increase evidence-based care and patient access to the full range of contraception, including IUDs.