IUD Post-Insertion:

You have just had an IUD or IUS inserted. It is preferable that you remain in the waiting room for 15 minutes following the insertion. It is normal to feel cramps in your lower abdomen after the insertion of an IUD or IUS. These symptoms should gradually decline in the coming days.

For relief:
  • Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen, 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
  • If you cannot use ibuprofen or aspirin, take Acetaminophen, 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.

NOTHING IN THE VAGINA FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS FOLLOWING THE INSERTION:
No tampons, menstrual cup, vaginal creams or ovules, fingers, penis... NOTHING.

CONTINUE WITH YOUR PREVIOUS CONTRACEPTION METHOD FOR 7 DAYS AFTER THE INSERTION OF THE IUD.  Condoms should be used until the follow-up visit.

A FOLLOW-UP VISIT IS RECOMMENDED IN 6-12 WEEKS. A pelvic exam will be done to ensure that the IUD or IUS is in place and that all is well.

LOSS OF THE IUD:
You may lose the IUD or IUS. This may occur during the first weeks after its insertion. The loss of an IUD
or IUS may not be felt or:
  • you could have abnormal cramps in the lower abdomen
  • you might feel a tiny hard end (the bottom of the IUD or IUS) in your cervix.
Should this happen, make an appointment at the clinic and use a condom each time you have
intercourse until you are examined.


INFECTION:
Infection is rare but it must be treated immediately. If you have the following symptoms:
  • Pain in the lower abdomen that seems to be worsening
  • New pain in the lower abdomen during intercourse
  • Abnormal or offensive vaginal discharge
  • Fever
Consult the clinic or emergency as soon as possible.


Don’t forget to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). An IUD or IUS is an efficient and safe method of contraception but does not protect you from STIs.

For more information, consult the following Web site:
Sex & U   (CLICK HERE)


Copper IUD post insertion: 
Your period will get about 20 - 50% heavier, longer and be more painful.   This usually gets easier after 3 to 6 months.   You can expect to have some cramps and bleeding/spotting (on and off bleeding or brown discharge) in the first few months but may be worse in the first 1 - 2 weeks.   Treat the cramps with ibuprofen or Tylenol.  You can expect your regular period to come at its usual time.  

Mirena or Kyleena IUD post insertion: 
You can expect to have some cramps and bleeding and or spotting (on and off bleeding or brown discharge) in the first few months but may be worse in the first 1 - 2 weeks.   
Treat the cramps with ibuprofen or Tylenol.  
Irregular bleeding/spotting is VERY COMMON for 3 - 6 months after the insertion of a Mirena or Jaydess.   Some users stop getting regular menstrual bleeding, (20% of Mirena users in the 1st year and 60% at 5 years.)  This is a very safe side effect that some women enjoy.   

The hormone  in the IUD is a progesterone, it does not contain estrogen, and is about one fifth the dose in birth control pills, only so it seldom causes hormonal side effects.  Uncommon hormonal side effects (1 - 10%) may include headache, acne, mood changes, ovarian cysts, increased vaginal discharge or breast pain.  These symptoms often subside in the first 6 months. 


IUD removal: 

Removing an IUD is usually a simple process that can happen during a typical office visit with any IUD trained doctor.  A doctor removes an IUD by inserting a speculum and using the threads to slide the IUD out from the uterus through the cervix.    Some users may experience some brief cramping during removal but usually not to the extent of cramping experienced during the insertion.  

If you want to become pregnant the IUD can be removed at any time of your cycle.   

If you don’t want to become pregnant, a user must abstain from vaginal intercourse for 7 days prior to removal or have begun a hormonal method at least 7 days prior to removal to minimize the risk of pregnancy.   



Warning Signs Post IUD insertion:

INFECTION:
Infection is rare but it must be treated immediately. If you have the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the lower abdomen that seems to be worsening
  • New pain in the lower abdomen during intercourse
  • Abnormal or offensive vaginal discharge
  • Fever

LOSS OF IUD:
You may lose the IUD or IUS. This may occur during the first weeks after its insertion. 
The loss of an IUD may not be felt or:
  • you could have abnormal cramps in the lower abdomen
  • you might feel a tiny hard end (the bottom of the IUD or IUS) in your cervix.
Should this happen, make an appointment at the clinic and use a condom each time you have
intercourse until you are examined.

Other warning signs to contact your family doctor, our clinic or emergency:

  • If you suspect pregnancy contact your family doctor, our clinic for an appointment
  • If you experience severe pelvic cramps and/or heavy vaginal bleeding that is outside your normal flow

Consult the clinic, family doctor or emergency as soon as possible.