Prior to IUD insertion, what indication confirms a negative pregnancy test?

The indication that confirms a negative pregnancy test prior to IUD insertion is typically derived from home pregnancy test results. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. A negative result indicates that this hormone is not present at a level that would indicate pregnancy, making it a reliable method for confirming that a patient is not pregnant before proceeding with the insertion of an IUD.

Other options, such as uterine size assessment, pregnancy symptoms check, and recent menstrual history, do not conclusively confirm the absence of pregnancy. Uterine size assessment may provide clues about the possibility of pregnancy but cannot definitively confirm a negative status. Similarly, checking for pregnancy symptoms is subjective and may not accurately reflect whether a patient is pregnant or not. Recent menstrual history can offer insights into the likelihood of pregnancy but cannot replace the objectivity of a pregnancy test result. Therefore, the most reliable method to confirm a negative pregnancy status prior to IUD insertion is indeed the results of a home pregnancy test.