Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for permitting a user to load an IUD into an IUD inserter within the confines of a tray and thereafter to safely insert the IUD into a patient's uterus to the proper depth while minimizing the risk of causing trauma to the uterine wall. An IUD inserter comprises an elongate shaft adapted to retain the arms of an IUD adjacent the distal end of the shaft, a slidable arm retainer mounted on the shaft adaptable to abut the outer portion of a patient's cervix, and a stop member adjustably mounted on the shaft so that the arm retainer is forced by the outer portion of a patient's cervix to abut the stop member as the IUD is advanced through the cervical canal of a patient to a preselected depth at the uterine fundus. An associated package permits an IUD having expandable arms thereon to be loaded into an arm retainer within the confines of the package immediately prior to insertion of the IUD into a patient's uterus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for permitting a user to load an IUD into an IUD inserter within the confines of a tray and thereafter to safely insert the IUD into a patient's uterus to the proper depth while minimizing the risk of causing trauma to the uterine wall. An IUD inserter comprises an elongated shaft adapted to retain the arms of an IUD adjacent the distal end of the shaft, a slidable arm retainer mounted on the shaft adaptable to abut the outer portion of the patient's cervix, and a stop member adjustably mounted on the shaft so that the arm retainer is forced by the outer portion of a patient's cervix to abut the stop member as the IUD is advanced through the cervical canal of a patient to a preselected depth at the uterine fundus. An associated package permits an IUD having expandable arms thereon to be loaded into an arm retainer within the confines of the package immediately prior to insertion of the IUD into a patient's uterus.