An intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraceptive device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. While hormonal IUDs release progestin into the body, copper IUDs are non-hormonal and prevent pregnancy due to a chemical reaction that occurs from the copper present in the IUD.
Each type has side effects that may be temporary or long-term, including bleeding, cramps, headaches, nausea, and more. Although certain side effects are usually manageable, there are some signs to look out for that may indicate your IUD may need to be removed.
This article discusses the most common side effects of hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, including when to consider switching birth control methods after insertion and long-term.
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IUD side effects from insertion
An IUD is a small, flexible, T-shaped device that a health care provider inserts into the uterus.
While inserting an IUD, you may experience discomfort such as:
- Mild pain or discomfort
- convulsion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- back pain
Some people may experience cramps and back pain for a day or two after the procedure, but for others these side effects may last for weeks or months.
IUD side effects after insertion
Some potential side effects and complications that may occur after IUD insertion include:
In rare cases, the following complications may occur after IUD insertion:
- Partial or total movement of the IUD device outside the uterus
- Inserting an IUD device into the uterine wall
- Development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Pregnancy with a rare risk of ectopic pregnancy
Check with your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in the pelvic area, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, signs of pregnancy, or the ability to feel the T-shaped portion of the IUD device in your cervix or vagina. This may be a sign of an IUD problem that requires removal.
Risk Factors for IUD Complications
Some people are more likely to experience side effects and complications from IUDs. These risk factors include:
- Adolescents, people with heavy menstruation, and people who have an IUD inserted soon after giving birth are at higher risk of the device slipping out of the uterus.
- People who have an undiagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) while having an IUD inserted may be more likely to develop PID.
- People with a retroverted uterus (the uterus is tilted slightly backwards) are more likely to experience the IUD perforating (piercing and damaging) the uterine wall.
How to offset IUD side effects
Most IUD side effects are experienced within the first few months after insertion. It then tends to decrease. Here's what experts recommend for managing the most common side effects:
Complications from previous IUD versions
Although IUDs are now safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), earlier versions from the 1970s had some risks and concerns.
The IUD, known as the Dalkon Shield, is manufactured with a type of string that allows bacteria to enter the uterus, causing problems such as pelvic infections, miscarriages, sepsis, infertility, and hysterectomies. Because thousands of IUD users were affected, a lawsuit ensued and Dalkon Shield was withdrawn from the market.
Deciding to change your birth control method
There are many different types of birth control, and deciding to switch to a different option is a personal decision. IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but they may not be right for everyone.
If you are interested in having your IUD removed and switching to another type of contraception, you should contact your healthcare provider for removal. Keep in mind that you can still get pregnant at any time after your IUD is removed. Keep this time frame in mind when switching to a new method of contraception.
A word from Berrywell
IUDs are very effective and generally well tolerated. Although side effects are generally minor and short-lived, only you can decide whether the side effects from an IUD are tolerable enough for this form of birth control to be worth it to you.
Side effects from IUD removal
IUD removal is a relatively easy process that usually takes only a few minutes to complete. Nonetheless, additional side effects and complications are likely to occur.
In fact, many people experience some cramping during and after removal. This pain can be particularly uncomfortable if you experience pain when inserting an IUD or if you have never given birth before. Light spotting may also appear along with cramps.
Menstrual cycle changes are possible even after IUD removal. Using a copper IUD may result in lighter menstrual periods. Hormonal IUDs may increase menstrual bleeding after removal.
Anecdotally, hormonal IUD users may experience a hormonal “crash” (hormonal imbalance) after removal. This may be a response to the rapid decrease in progestin that the body has become accustomed to. These potential side effects may be more noticeable to some people than others.
You should discuss excessive bleeding with your health care provider as soon as possible, which some experts generally define as soaking two or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours at a time.
summary
Hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs have many benefits, but they also have potential side effects. Potential side effects during and after IUD insertion include pain, cramping, changes in menstrual bleeding, and weight gain. These side effects usually go away over the next week. If side effects are serious, long-lasting, or unusual, contact your health care provider as soon as possible to discuss changing your birth control method.