Signs You Should Call Your Doctor After An Iud Insertion
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a popular birth control choice given its high effectiveness, reversibility, and convenience. Once it has been inserted, in most cases, it can stay in place and provide protection for many years. Although the insertion process is safe and fairly simple, some women might experience unpleasant symptoms afterward. Many of these are normal and do not necessarily mean that something is wrong, but there are some symptoms that may need to be checked by a medical professional.
Here is a closer look at what you may experience after the insertion and when you need to call your doctor.
Heavy Bleeding Or Bleeding Accompanied By An Odor
You should also pay attention to any bleeding that you experience following the procedure. Again, spotting or light bleeding is not usually cause for alarm. However, if your bleeding is very heavy or is accompanied by a foul smell, you do need to get checked right away as it could signal an infection. If you are bleeding to the point where you are soaking or saturating a pad every hour, call your doctor.
Chill It Mirena Iud Lower Back Pain
Ice is best in the initial 24 to 2 days after an injury because it minimizes inflammation. Even though the heat really feels good because it helps cover up the pain as well as it does aid relax the muscular tissues, the warmth actually irritates the inflammatory processes. After 2 days, you can switch to warm if you favor. Whether you utilize warm or ice take it off after about 20 mins to offer your skin a rest. If pain persists, talk with a doctor.
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Intense Or Bad Cramps
When the pain you feel after sex is intense, it is likely due to an infection rather than a natural process. The usual causes of bad cramps after sex do not lead to intense pain as some cases are.
One of the most likely causes of intense cramps is when the ovaries or the uterus are hit during sexual activity. Such cases are very painful although the pain should subside after a few hours.
If at any time you feel postcoital pain that is intense and doesnât go away easily, visit a doctor for a checkup to ascertain what exactly causes it.
Types Of Iuds And Their Mechanism Of Action

The intrauterine device is the most effective type of reversible birth control, . Simply put, an IUD is a T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus as a form of long acting contraception. Lets first talk about the main types of IUDs and how they work.
Basically there are two main types of IUDs. Theres a hormonal type which is most commonly sold as Mirena and a lesser-used device sold under the brand name Skyla. Then there is a copper IUD which is sold under the brand name Paragard. Some countries outside the US, UK, Canada, and China still use an inert IUD made of stainless steel but its not as effective as the copper or hormonal IUD.
Mirena releases a continuous low amount of synthetic progesterone which acts to thicken the cervical mucus to keep sperm from penetrating the ovum. As there is some hormonal influence with Mirena, some women use it to help with heavy menstrual bleeding. Its effective for up to five years.
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How Should I Use This Medication
This device is placed inside the uterus by your doctor within 7 days after the start of your period. Your doctor will most likely perform a gynecological examination before the device is inserted to examine your uterus for correct placement and to rule out pregnancy or other gynecological conditions that would make using levonorgestrel undesirable.
The device is inserted during a routine office visit with your doctor and only takes a few minutes. You may have to go back to your doctor’s office about 4 to 12 weeks after the device is inserted to ensure it is in the right position, and then once a year thereafter or as directed by your doctor. The device can be left in place for up to 5 years, after which a decision must be made whether to replace the device with a new one or simply to remove the old device.
It is important to use this contraceptive device exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
You Cannot Find Your Iud String Or It Feels Out Of Place
A few days after your insertion, feel inside your vagina for the strings of your IUD. Your doctor will have instructed you on how you can do this. You should be able to feel the strings coming out of your cervix. If you cant feel them especially if you could feel them initially, but are now unable to find them or the strings are bothering you, get in touch with your doctor. Although it is rare, there is a chance your IUD may have slipped out of place.
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Problems Reported As Side Effects Or Complications
May or may not be due to the method.
- Problems with side effects or complications affect womens satisfaction and use of IUDs.They deserve the providers attention. If the client reports any side effects or complications, listen to her concerns, give her advice and support, and, if appropriate, treat. Make sure she understands the advice and agrees.
- Offer to help her choose another methodnow, if she wishes, or if problems cannot be overcome.
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Reassure her that many women using IUDs experience heavy or prolonged bleeding. It is generally not harmful and usually becomes less or stops after the first several months of use.
- For modest short-term relief she can try :
- Tranexamic acid 3 times daily for 3 days, then 1000 mg once daily for 2 days, beginning when heavy bleeding starts.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or indomethacin 2 times daily after meals for 5 days, beginning when heavy bleeding starts. Other NSAIDs except aspirinalso may provide some relief of heavy or prolonged bleeding. Aspirin could increase bleeding.
Irregular bleeding
Cramping and pain
Possible anemia
Can My Partner Actually Feel My Iud Inside Of Me
While you can reassure your partner that a regular romp wont dislodge your IUD, he might not be wrong if he says he can feel it inside of you.
Its possible for men to feel an IUD inside a woman during intercourse, says Dr. Greves. What they usually are feeling is the string sometimes if the string is super short, it could poke the penis. If the string is longer, it can curve underneath the cervix and has less of a likelihood of being noticed.
On the other hand, if your partner is actually feeling more than just the IUD string, that wouldnt be news to you. It would mean that your IUD has migrated into the cervix, which would be incredibly painful for you. If youre experiencing pain or having painful sex with an IUD, see your doctor immediately.
That needs to be evaluated, warns Dr. Greves. It could mean the IUD has become malpositioned.
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What You Can Do After Your Iud Is In
To ease your pain after the procedure:
- Take over-the-counter medication. To reduce inflammation and help with pain after your IUD goes in, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Try taking 600 milligrams of ibuprofen every 8 hours for the first day or two. But check with your doctor first to make sure itâs safe for you.
- Practice self-care. Take it slow and easy in the days after you get the IUD. âHydrate, rest, and spend a few days in your sweatpants if you need to,â Holloway says. Try a heating pad. Apply it gently to the area where you feel cramps. âExercise and intercourse may cause you to cramp more, so hold off on activity until you feel up to it,â Holloway says.
What Copper Iud Side Effects Should I Expect
The copper IUD has no hormones, so you dont have to deal with any of the risks or side effects that can sometimes happen with hormonal birth control methods.
But copper IUDs often cause more bleeding and cramps during your period, especially in the first 3-6 months. For many people, this gets better over time.
Paragard side effects can include:
-
spotting between periods
-
heavier or longer periods
-
more or worse cramping during your periods
-
pain when your IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after
Over-the-counter pain medicine can help with IUD cramps. And the cramping and bleeding usually get better after a few months, once your body gets used to your IUD. You can keep track of any side effects you may be having with our birth control app.
Birth control shouldnt make you feel uncomfortable. If you have bleeding or pain that really bothers you, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may need to check and make sure your IUD is in the right place, or they might recommend a different method of birth control for you. Some people try a few different birth control methods before finding the right one for them.The copper IUD has been around for decades, and millions of people have used it safely, though there are some possible risks, like with any medical device. You can always call a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your local Planned Parenthood health center, if you have any concerns.
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How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed And Treated
Lots of people get period pain and the other symptoms listed above that arent due to endometriosis. So diagnosing the condition can be hard. Doctors will ask questions and do an exam. They also might order an ultrasound. They might order a magnetic resonance imaging scan.
If the doctor thinks someone has endometriosis, the first step is to treat it with pain relievers, like ibuprofen, and hormone therapy like some types of birth control. Hormone therapy decreases bleeding, and as a result, eases pain.
If symptoms are severe or dont improve over 36 months of medical treatment, the doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery, also called laparoscopy .
In laparoscopy, a surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera through a tiny cut in the skin. The surgeon looks for the growths. They might also do a biopsy .
Laparoscopy is also a way to treat endometriosis because the surgeon can remove growths in the abdomen and pelvis. Sometimes, the surgeon will place an intrauterine device to deliver hormones. After surgery, most people have less pain.
Surgery is not a cure. But when combined with hormone therapy, like birth control pills, the birth control shot, or an IUD, it can help control pain and prevent endometriosis from getting worse.
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What Are The Risks Of Using An Iud

Although IUDs are safer than ever before, its still too soon to tell if some listed long-term risks are truly likely.
For example, the package inserts for Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, and Kyleena all advise against use if youve ever had breast cancer. But there hasnt been any conclusive evidence about an increased risk of cancer.
Some and possibly even cervical cancer.
Other risks are established, but still quite rare. These include pelvic inflammatory disease and perforation.
If youre concerned about your potential risk, talk with a clinician. Be prepared to discuss your genetic or family medical history. This can help inform the decision you and your clinician make about birth control.
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Is It Safe To Breastfeed While Using Mirena
You may use Mirena when you are breastfeeding. Mirena is not likely to affect the quality or amount of your breast milk or the health of your nursing baby. However, isolated cases of decreased milk production have been reported. The risk of Mirena going into the wall of the uterus or going through the wall of the uterus is increased if Mirena is inserted while you are breastfeeding.
Can The Mirena Iud Cause Left Side Painpelvic Painand Back Pain
Elaine Swisher253340 over a year ago
amybread over a year ago
over a year ago
In reply to amybread on 2012-09-11 click to read
Trish over a year ago
Keimari over a year ago
Georgina over a year ago
Hi everyone! Ive had the IUD for 3 years and have had these really bad sharp pains in my uterus area kinda like someone jabbing and twisting my insides with a knife or screw driver. Its not on the left or right side, more in the middle and the pain can last for about 10 seconds, mainly during my period but can be around any time inbetween periods. The pain started when I got the IUD inserted and I did think it will go but it hasnt and now I think ita time to get rid of the IUD. But I still want to know what causes these excruciating sharp pains.
over a year ago
In reply to Keimari on 2012-10-10 click to read
Trish over a year ago
over a year ago
In reply to Trish on 2012-10-21 click to read
gmarie over a year ago
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What Is An Iud
An intrauterine device is a long-term, reversible and highly effective form of contraception. The T-shaped IUD device is placed inside the uterus by a medical professional.
Two types of IUDs are available in the United States hormonal and non-hormonal. One emits a low level of copper and the other gradually releases a synthetic progesterone-like hormone called levonorgestrel .
- An intrauterine device is a long-term, reversible and highly effective form of contraception.
- Two types of IUDs are available in the United States hormonal and non-hormonal.
How Can I Tell If My Iud Perforated My Uterus
Perforation is really rare it happens in about 1 in 1,000 IUD insertions. Basically it means that the IUD attaches to or pushes through the wall of your uterus. If this happens, you may need surgery to get the IUD removed. If the IUD has traveled outside your uterus, you’ll probably have significant pain or discomfort. Also, do a self-check on your strings. If you can’t find them, it could indicate that your IUD has moved.
When in doubt, trust your instinct and call your doctor.
“I have to really make the plug for common sense,” Dweck said. “If something doesn’t feel right, just come in. We’d rather see.”
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Mild Cramping And Spotting
Mild cramping after sex coupled with spotting is a common occurrence which should not worry you unless it becomes too common. In some women, this will occur in their teenage years or after menopause has set in. Postcoital bleeding and cramps occur due the following reasons:
- The sensitivity of the female reproductive system in young girls who would be experiencing some processes such as menstruation for the first few times.
- In women who are in their menopause years since the hormonal changes also make the vaginal area sensitive.
- Cancer of the cervix or ovaries is also characterized by pain and spotting during and after sex.
- An infection of the female reproductive system such as yeast, chlamydia, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. These infections inflame the female reproductive system leading to pain and spotting after sexual intercourse.
- Semen contains chemicals called prostaglandins which can cause pain especially when the woman has a high sensitivity to them.
- Ovulation and implantation can also be accompanied by cramping after sex and some spotting. While not related to sex, the two processes release blood and cause cramps which can be more pronounced with sexual activity.
Unless the cramps have a high intensity and the spotting becomes heavier, you need not worry about it. Also, the pain and spotting due to sexual activity should not continue for more than a few hours. If that is the case, you need to have the case checked by a medical doctor.
What You Can Do Before Your Iud Is Put In
To reduce cramping, try these techniques before your appointment.
- Eat, drink, and go to your visit in good shape. If you feel good going into the procedure, you may feel less pain. âPlease do not come into your IUD insertion hung over, dehydrated, and having skipped breakfast,â Holloway says. âThatâs a recipe for feeling bad.â Drink water and eat something before your visit.
- Try to relax. âWhen you reduce your fear and tension, you feel less pain,â she says. Try breathing exercises, visualization, or other relaxation techniques. Sometimes simple distraction can help. Listen to music or have a conversation with your doctor while they put it in.
- Schedule your appointment at a good time. Try to schedule your appointment during the last few days of your menstrual cycle. âYour cervix is softened and slightly dilated during this time, which can make insertion easier,â Holloway says.
- Take ibuprofen or naproxen ahead of time. âIbuprofen is one of the best options for muscle pain from uterine cramps,â Holloway says. âBut many people donât realize it works best if you take it in anticipation of your cramping.â Peace Nwegbo-Banks, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Serenity Womenâs Health & Med Spa in Houston, TX, recommends taking 600 milligrams of ibuprofen or 500 milligrams of naproxen an hour before your appointment.
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