Objective:

To verify nurses' knowledge about the intrauterine device in the context of Basic Health Units.

Method:

Observational study conducted with primary care nurses. The collection instrument was developed by literature review and validated by specialists in the field of women's health. Data were collected remotely between October 2021 and January 2022. Ethical considerations for research with human beings were respected.

Results:

Sixty-six (66) nurses participated. Most nurses had their knowledge classified as satisfactory (75.8%). It was observed that the majority answered correctly about IUD classification with copper (69.7%), its side effects (89.4%), that it does not interfere with breastfeeding (97%), does not protect against STI (92.4%), does not develop cervical cancer (92.4%). They knew that nulliparous (69.7%), diabetic (97%) and hypertensive (97%) women can use the IUD with copper. However, they were unaware of the use of IUDs as emergency contraception (87.8%) and by women with AIDS (66.7%), considered the need for previous examinations as an eligibility criterion (86.4%) and that uterine perforation is the most frequent risk of insertion (63.6%).

Conclusion:

The lack of knowledge of nurses, in the context of primary health care, about the intrauterine device, becomes a barrier that limits access to the contraceptive method. Therefore, the skills of nurses should be strengthened through continuing education for the qualification of primary health care.

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