After IUD Insertion
NOW THAT YOU’VE HAD YOUR IUD (COPPER OR HORMONAL) PLACED, YOU MAY NOTICE SOME CHANGES TO YOUR PERIOD. HERE’S WHAT YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE.
You may have some light vaginal bleeding and mild cramping after your IUD insertion. You may feel light-headed after your insertion. These symptoms are normal. Avoid sex for 2 days for your comfort.
If you have cramping, you can take medication like Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) every 6 hours for the next few days if you need it. Tylenol does not work as well as ibuprofen but is a good choice if you can’t take ibuprofen for some reason. A heating pad or hot shower can help with the cramps as well.
If you have a hormonal IUD (Mirena or Kyleena) ensure you use back up birth control such as condoms for the first 7 days.
You may have light to moderate bleeding for a few weeks to a few months after your insertion. THIS IS NORMAL. It should get lighter until your periods are very light. Your periods may stop completely and this is OK.
If you have a copper IUD, your periods may get a little heavier than before. You may also notice spotting for the first month after insertion, this is also normal.
We’d like to see you in about one-two month to make sure your IUD is in the right place, and to check the strings and to talk about any problems or questions you have. You can make a follow-up appointment at the front desk before you leave.
Optional: You can check the IUD strings in your vagina once a month after your period if you are comfortable doing this (checking they are there and about the same length as before). This can help you to know if the IUD is in the right place. If you think there is any problem, you should come in to see us as soon as possible. You should come in or see your GP at least once a year for a check-up.
See a doctor if you have any of the following: heavy bleeding, severe cramping, fever or chills, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge that isn’t normal, if you think you may be pregnant, if you think your IUD has come out, or if you might have been exposed to an STI (sexually transmitted infection).
Emergency phone number: 911
West central PCN after hours: 811
MAUD Medical Clinic 5872334096 ext: 8
