Iud Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- When first inserted, some may experience period-type cramping that usually settles after a few days.
- Sometimes the IUD can come out. This is more common in the first 3 months of it being inserted.
- Your period will change. Spotting or frequent bleeding is common in the first 3 to 6 months. By 6 months around 90-95% of people may have a light regular period or no bleeding at all .
- You may experience tender breasts, headaches, skin changes and mood changes. These side effects nearly always settle with time. The hormonal IUD has not been shown to cause weight gain.
How Long Can I Leave My Iud In
An IUD can stay in place for three, five or 10 years, depending on the type of IUD. When you have it put in, the nurse or doctor will tell you when it will need to be replaced.
You may be able to keep the IUD longer if youre in your 40s. If you get a copper IUD put in after you turn 40 or a hormonal IUD put in after you turn 45, your IUD may be able to stay in place until menopause. Ask the nurse or doctor if this is an option for you.
If you want your IUD removed, read our Getting your IUD removed page.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using The Copper Iud
- When it is first inserted some users have period type cramping that usually settles after a few days.
- Your vaginal bleeding pattern will change. Spotting can occur in the first 3 months. This nearly always settles with time and your regular bleeding pattern will return. For most users, periods are about 50% heavier.
- Sometimes the IUD can fall out. This is more common in the first 3 months of it being inserted.
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Ok So Whats The Hormonal Iud
Hormonal IUDs work by releasing progestin which thickens cervical mucus in order to stop sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg. As a backup, it also thins the lining of the uterus, so even if any sperm make it to the egg, the thin lining makes implantation extremely difficult.
In some cases, hormonal IUDs may also stop ovulation, thus effectively preventing pregnancy. There are several brands of hormonal IUD available, lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 years.
Pros of hormonal IUDs
- Some people report that the hormones in their IUD make their periods more regular, or they stop altogether
- Hormonal IUDs have been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as cancer of the endometrium
- If you are unable to use contraceptives that contain estrogen , hormonal IUDs can be a good alternative
- There is some evidence to suggest that hormonal IUDs could be more effective than copper IUDs
Cons of hormonal IUDs
- They may not be suitable for people with conditions like pelvic infections, or certain types of cancer, such as cervical or endometrial cancer
- People with uterine distortions or fibroids may not be able to use a hormonal IUD
- If you have dealt with unexplained vaginal bleeding, it is recommended that you dont use a hormonal IUD
How Effective Are The Copper Iuds
The copper IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to 5 10 years . They can be used for contraception until menopause if inserted when you are 40 years of age or older.
If you are using the copper IUD for emergency contraception, you need to use it within 5 days or 120 hours after unprotected sex.
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Tubal Ligation & Tubal Occlusion
Female sterilization by tubal ligation is a permanent surgical procedure where the two fallopian tubes, which transport the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, get disconnected. Tubal ligation is considered permanent, because reversal is costly, difficult, and not guaranteed.
Female sterilization by tubal occlusion is a permanent procedure where a micro-insert is placed into each of the fallopian tubes. The micro-inserts work with your body to form a natural barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the eggs, preventing pregnancy.
What Are The Different Types Of Birth Control
Women can choose from many different types of birth control methods. These include, in order of most effective to least effective at preventing pregnancy:
- Female and male sterilization Birth control that prevents pregnancy for the rest of your life through surgery or a medical procedure.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives or LARC methods Birth control your doctor inserts one time and you do not have to remember to use birth control every day or month. LARCs last for 3 to 10 years, depending on the method.
- Short-acting hormonal methods Birth control your doctor prescribes that you remember to take every day or month. The shot requires you to get a shot from your doctor every 3 months.
- Barrier methods Birth control you use each time you have sex.
- Natural rhythm methods Not using a type of birth control but instead avoiding sex and/or using birth control only on the days when you are most fertile . An ovulation home test kit or a fertility monitor can help you find your most fertile days.
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Mirena Iud Pros And Cons
The Mirena IUD is a device which releases hormones during its placement that makes it 99% effective at preventing a pregnancy. Once it is correctly placed by your doctor, it can continue to work for up to five years. It is an option for women who may want to have children in the future or for those who have already had kids. It is also an option for treating heavy periods when choosing intrauterine contraception as an option.
Mirena is a small, T-shaped device that gets placed into the uterus by a trained healthcare provider. Most women can have it placed with a regular office visit. It is a non-surgical option that is removable at any time so that you can decide to become pregnant right away if that is your wish. Most placement procedures only take a few minutes to complete, and then all you need to do is perform a monthly thread check to ensure it is in the correct position.
If you are interested in a long-term birth control option for yourself or your family, these are the Mirena IUD pros and cons you will want to review.
How Does An Iud Work
The first step in preventing pregnancy with an IUD is to consult your healthcare provider about how these devices work. The copper or hormonal type of IUD works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. It works by thinning the cervical mucus and thickening it, preventing the sperm from attaching to the egg. Once in the uterus, the device will remain in place for several years.
IUDs are placed in the uterus by inserting a thin plastic device. They prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. A few low-probability events may disrupt the fertilization of the egg, but these are extremely unlikely. Most women can use either type of IUD safely. The treatment usually lasts for five to seven years, and there is no risk of reversal.
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What Are The Cons Of The Copper Iud Compared To Non
Now that weve talked through the benefits of using a copper IUD compared to the hormonal variety, lets go through the potential cons. There really is just one big one, and it has to do with your monthly visitor.
According to Dr. Culwell, IUD insertion, in particular, can be painful and can cause periods to be heavier or very uncomfortable, particularly for the first few months. Because of this, she says a copper IUD isnt a great method for people with heavy and or painful periods to start with. However, if you decide to try the Paragard copper IUD, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says this issue typically goes away, or at least decreases after having the IUD for a year.
Hormonal IUD side effects are the opposite and often lead to less bleeding or potentially no period at all in some cases, but you may experience things like cramping and pelvic pain, breast tenderness, and/or headache. Why the difference in bleeding? Hormonal IUDs have a low dose of progestin, which Dr. Culwell says can make periods lighter, irregular, or totally absent. The copper IUD generally doesnt change the frequency of your period, so you have your period on your natural schedule, however, the periods can be heavier and more painful with the copper IUD in place, she says.
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Iuds Are Really Convenient
Once your IUD is in, you barely have to think about it it works until it expires or you have it taken out. That means no trips to the pharmacy, no pill to take or ring to put in, and nothing you have to do before sex to prevent pregnancy. Plus youre protected against pregnancy for 3 to 12 years, depending on what kind you get.
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Iud
Let’s discuss the more esoteric pros and cons for each type of IUD now, starting with hormonal IUDs.
1. Reduced menstrual bleeding, in some cases up to 90%
2. Reduced cramps
3. In a few cases, stopped periods altogether
4. Prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
5. Relieved endometriosis
I Went Back To Work The Same Day
I had a Mona Lisa copper IUD inserted in 2015, because I wanted a form of birth control where I would still have periods. It was ok. The insertion was relatively uncomfortable . I was not offered any extra medication such as a cervix softener. I went back to work the same day.âAnonymous, female, 26, Canada
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What To Expect After Having A Non
Some women experience side effects for three to six months after getting their IUD inserted. Some of these side effects include pain before your period, heavier bleeding, and cramps. As mentioned before, over-the-counter pain medication can help you manage your discomfort.
For most women, these side effects dont last forever. As your body gets used to the copper IUD, you are likely to notice fewer negative side effects.
It Requires Consistent Use
Unlike hormonal birth control methods such as implants and injections, nonhormonal options require some planning since they must be used each time you have sex.
Whenever you skip your chosen method, theres a chance you might get pregnant.
No question is too small to ask your doctor, whos a valuable resource in your decision-making process. Possible queries include:
- Is hormonal birth control safe with my medical history?
- How often will I need to refill my prescription?
- Is there any type of medication that can make birth control less effective?
- How can I manage side effects?
- Can I change from one hormonal option to another?
If you write down your questions as you think of them, its easier to remember them during your appointment.
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How Long Does It Take Your Body To Adjust
Many people experience cramping for a few hours to a few days after insertion. Inserting an IUD requires opening the cervix and some cramping is a common reaction to that, says Gersh.
This cramping is more common in folks who experience cramping leading up to or during their menstrual cycle.
The most common side effect of the copper IUD is heavier and longer periods especially the first 3 to 6 months after insertion, says Dr. Gaither.
Other side effects include:
- irregular bleeding
- increased or worsened cramping
Because copper causes an inflammatory response in the body, and period cramps are a symptom of inflammation, the copper IUD can also worsen cramps, says Gersh.
Which Types Of Birth Control Can I Get Without A Prescription
You can buy these types of birth control over the counter at a drugstore or supermarket:
- Emergency contraception pills. Plan B One-Step® and its generic versions are available in drugstores and some supermarkets to anyone, without a prescription. However you should not use EC as your regular birth control because it does not work as well as regular birth control. EC is meant to be used only when your regular birth control does not work for some unexpected reason.
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What If You Get Pregnant With A Copper Iud In
Becoming pregnant with a copper IUD is extremely rare. It happens to less than 1 percent of women. If you do conceive with the copper IUD, it means you may be at high risk for an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the egg implants itself outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. But because copper IUDs prevent most pregnancies, the chance of an ectopic pregnancy is much lower than it is for women who dont use this birth control option.
Removal And Return To Fertility
Removal of the copper IUD should also be performed by a qualified medical practitioner. Fertility has been shown to return to previous levels quickly after removal of the device. One study found that the median amount of time from removal to planned pregnancy was three months for those women using the TCu 380Ag.
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What Is Good About The Copper Iud
- It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
- Once inserted you will only need to check the string each month.
- It can last up to 10 years.
- You can use it while breastfeeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- The device can be taken out at any time by a doctor or nurse.
- Once removed your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
- It is a choice for those who do not want to use hormonal contraception.
What Do People With The Copper Iud Say About It
Hearing all the medical jargon about the copper IUD is one thing, but what about the real-world benefits and disadvantages? Patients who are properly counseled and still choose Paragard are generally happy, Dr. Butler says. Managing expectations is the key, so discussing heavier or longer cycles before using a copper IUD is important, she adds.
Dr. Culwell says some people are thrilled with the copper IUD and report benefits like not having to keep track of daily birth control pills or monthly patches or rings, or not having to go to the doctor every three months to get the shot. They also tend to appreciate not having to worry about potential hormonal side effects and having their own natural menstrual cycles.
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What Happens If I Get Pregnant While I Am Using The Copper Iud
It is important that you see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible and have the IUD removed. The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a pregnancy in your fallopian tubes . If the IUD is removed, you can continue the pregnancy or have an abortion. If the IUD cannot be removed and you continue the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of losing the pregnancy.
How Do I Find Out More About Both Options
Speaking to your GP is always the best way to gather information and find out what might be right for your body. If you have underlying health conditions or already suffer with period problems, your doctor can recommend the kind of IUD that is safest for you, and likely to be most effective for what youre looking for from your birth control.
Are you still unsure about which IUD to choose? Pop into our Instagram DMs at @itsyoppie or reach out to our private FB group where no topic is off-limits. Don’t forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, hormonal supplements and much more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so that’s one less thing to worry about each month.
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Minimal Risk To Your Health
Hormonal birth control can affect your health, especially if you smoke and are over 35. Although uncommon, possible risks to your health include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. They also can have side effects like weight gain, nausea, and headaches.
Non-hormonal birth control has almost zero side effects or risks to your well-being.
What Are The Kinds Of Non
Theres only one brand of copper IUD in the U.S. Its called the Paragard IUD. It lasts for up to 12 years.
You dont have to keep your IUD for 12 years though you can get your IUD taken out whenever you want. If your IUD is going to expire but you want to keep using an IUD, your nurse or doctor can replace it.
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Benefits Of The Copper Iud
IUDs are popular around the world because they have proven to be a safe and effective form of birth control.
Some people prefer that ownership and control that comes with taking a birth control pill or using a contraception patch that you change each month, Dr. Freeman says. For people who dont want to think about birth control day-to-day, IUDs are a popular choice.
Dr. Freeman breaks down the various benefits.
1. Highly effective at preventing pregnancy
Dr. Freeman says IUDs, including the copper IUD, are more than 99% effective, making them some of the most reliable types of contraception available.
Compare that to the effectiveness of other common birth control options:
- Depo-Provera® shot: 94% effective.
- Pills, patches and vaginal rings: 91% effective.
- Condoms: 85% effective.
2. Non-hormonal
Because the copper IUD does not release hormones, its a good choice for people living with certain health conditions. Some people living with breast cancer, for example, may not want to use hormonal methods of contraception. Others simply prefer having a long-lasting option that doesnt use hormones. Maybe theyve tried hormonal birth control in the past and experienced side effects like weight gain or mood swings they want to avoid.
The copper IUD gives you the long-lasting, no-maintenance effects of an IUD but without any hormones, which makes it very appealing to some people, Dr. Freeman says.
3. Long-lasting
4. Low-maintenance
5. Your fertility returns quickly