Heavy menstrual bleeding: Counselling patients on intrauterine systems

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common presentation in general practice and can have a significant impact on quality of life — and patients are often looking for clear, practical advice. GPs are often helping patients navigate a range of management options and supporting them to make informed decisions that align with their preferences and goals. This podcast episode with Dr Simone Gonzo focuses on one aspect of that conversation: how to discuss intrauterine systems with patients, address common questions and misconceptions, and support shared decision-making in everyday practice. What you will learn Dr Simone Gonzo shares insights into how to talk to your patients about intrauterine systems, including practical counselling tips for general practice. Patient-centred counselling: Starting with the patient’s goals, concerns, fertility plans, and expectations when discussing an LNG-IUD. Assessing suitability: Key history, examination, investigations, and clinical considerations before recommending an LNG-IUD for heavy menstrual bleeding. Explaining benefits and alternatives: How to communicate the benefits of the 52 mg LNG-IUD alongside other medical and procedural treatment options. Setting realistic bleeding expectations: What patients can expect during the first few months, including irregular or prolonged bleeding and the timeframe for assessing treatment benefit. Preparing patients for insertion: How to explain the procedure honestly, discuss pain and analgesia options, and provide trauma-informed care. Discussing risks and warning symptoms: Counselling around expulsion, malposition, perforation, infection, pregnancy, and symptoms requiring assessment. Managing concerns after insertion: A structured approach to assessing persistent or new bleeding, pain, absent strings, or concerns that the IUD is “not working”. Follow-up and shared decision-making: Reviewing treatment goals, providing clear safety-netting and follow-up, documenting counselling, and supporting patients who choose removal. Watch the full video podcast here.   WATCH RELATED WEBINAR Heavy menstrual bleeding — A guide for GPs Our recent webinar with Dr Simone Gonzo explored the assessment and management of heavy menstrual bleeding in general practice. Drawing on the Australian Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinical Care Standard, this session provided a structured approach to history-taking, investigation, medical management, and shared decision-making, including when to consider referral for intrauterine system insertion. 👉 Watch webinar replay >   Next steps in your learning journey 🎓 Certificate Courses Deep-dive into a university-assured, structured pathway from foundation to subspecialisation in Women's Health. ➡️ Explore Certificate Courses > 🎓 Short Courses Explore 400+ short, focused, single-topic CPD courses — and learn exactly what you need, when you need it. Complete in less than 10 hours. ➡️ Browse Short Courses > 🎓 IUD workshops Gain an introduction to the insertion of intrauterine devices as a reversible contraceptive option for female patients. One-day advanced workshop providing hands-on practise on simulated models under expert supervision. ➡️ See workshop dates & locations >