What to Consider Following IUD Placement
One of the greatest aspects of living in today’s society is the abundance of birth control methods. While some individuals are fine with using condoms, keeping them on hand can become too challenging. Others choose contraceptive pills but give up after forgetting to take them every day. This is when intrauterine devices (IUDs) become a more viable option. It has been a long-acting and removable birth control method for decades making it the perfect selection for women. However, before having an IUD implanted, you should thoroughly discuss it with your doctor. Your Women’s Care Trinity gynecologist will assist you in determining which type of device is most likely to work for you and explaining the insertion process and how to prepare for it.
After IUD implantation
Since most women experience only minor discomfort during the process, they are normally fine to drive themselves home and resume their normal activities. You might want to organize for someone to drive you home because you don’t know how you will react to the insertion procedure. Some women may experience cramping after the procedure as their uterus adapts to the IUD placement. The cramps should subside with time and rest or pain medication if this is the scenario.
IUD servicing
To ensure that the IUD is still appropriately positioned, check the IUD strings every few days for the first few weeks and feel for the string ends between periods. Plan a checkup after your first period (or no more than three months after insertion) to ensure that your IUD is still in place. If a sexual partner feels them, some women may request that the strings be cut shorter (during this checkup). If this is the situation, the strings are sometimes cut so short that the woman can no longer check for them. Following this healthcare professional visit, routine IUD check ups can be performed at the same time as a gynecological exam. However, one of the most common advantages of using an IUD is that a woman does not have to do anything after it is inserted. Other issues that necessitate the attention of your doctor include:
- Significantly heavier than usual vaginal bleeding.
- Chills or fever of more than 101 degrees, implying an infection.
- Fainting or dizziness.
- Sharp pain in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
- Migraines or serious headaches.
- Pain while having sex.
What is the average period for an IUD to heal?
IUD insertion is a simple operation, and most women can drive themselves home after the process. As the uterus modifies to the IUD, you may experience cramping, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and should only last a few hours to a few days. If you are in pain, contact your healthcare provider.
Can I have a new IUD implanted immediately after removing an old one?
Yes. Notify your gynecologist if you remove your intrauterine device because it is expired. They will put in a new one immediately after removing the old one. Discuss this with your physician before your planned removal meeting to decide whether you will continue to use the same type of IUD or if a different one would be better for you.
In the United States, IUDs are one of the most common types of birth control. Their popularity stems primarily from their convenience, safety, and dependability. Call Suncoast Women’s Care or make an appointment online to learn more about IUDs.
