Can You Get Your Period On An Iud

Who Can Use An Iud

Getting an IUD to Help with Your Period

Most people with a womb can use an IUD.

A GP or nurse will ask about your medical history to check if an IUD is suitable for you.

The IUD may not be suitable if you:

  • think you might be pregnant
  • have an untreated STI or a pelvic infection
  • have problems with your womb or cervix
  • have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex

People who have had an ectopic pregnancy or who have an artificial heart valve must consult their GP or clinician before having an IUD fitted.

Iud Stuck In Uterine Wall

Very rarely, an IUD may be difficult to pull out because it has become stuck in or gone through the uterine wall, which is also called perforation.

Your provider can use different imaging techniques, like an ultrasound or X-ray to determine if this has taken place. If your IUD is stuck in your uterus, your doctor may need to remove it surgically, if they are unable to get it out with forceps. It also needs to be surgically removed in the very rare cases where it has moved outside the uterus.

If the IUD is stuck in your uterus and your provider is not able to pull it out with forceps, you may need to have it removed surgically.

Iud And Potential Health Risks

In about 1 in 500 people, a small hole in the wall of the uterus may be created while the IUD is being inserted. The IUD can move through the hole and sit in the wrong place. If this happens, keyhole surgery is required to have the IUD removed.

Around 1 in 300, may get an infection when the IUD is first inserted. This can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

It is very unlikely to get pregnant when using an IUD. If you do get pregnant with an IUD in place, there is a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy. This means that the pregnancy may settle in the fallopian tubes . If this happens, seek urgent medical assistance.

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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 you’re 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.

Can The Iud Cause Any Serious Health Problems

Can I Get An Iud On My Period

In about 1 in 500 users, a small hole in the wall of the uterus may be created while the IUD is being inserted. The IUD can move through the hole and sit in the wrong place. If this happens, keyhole surgery is required to have the IUD removed.

Around 1 in 300 users get an infection when the IUD is first inserted. This can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

It is very unlikely to get pregnant when using an IUD. If you do get pregnant with an IUD in place, there is a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy. This means that the pregnancy may settle in the fallopian tubes . This should be medically assessed urgently and treated as required.

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Who Can Use Them

Most healthy women can use an IUD. Theyâre especially suited to women with one partner and at low risk of contracting an STD. IUDs don’t protect against STDs. You shouldnât use one if:

  • You have an STD or had a recent pelvic infection.
  • Youâre pregnant.
  • You have cancer of the cervix or uterus.
  • You have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

You canât use the copper IUD if you have an allergy to copper or have Wilson’s disease, which causes your body to hold too much copper.

Hormonal IUDs are considered safe unless you have liver disease, breast cancer, or are at a high risk for breast cancer.

In rare cases, the size or shape of your uterus may make it tough to place an IUD. Watch a video on the truth about IUDs and their safety.

Can An Iud Cause Bacterial Infections

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , it can cause symptoms such as vaginal discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis commonly occurs in women of reproductive age.

According to the CDC, doctors do not exactly know how people get BV, although the disease may most likely spread between women who have sex with women.

Moreover, any woman can get BV, but the agency says that one of the reasons why someone might be at a higher risk is if they use an intrauterine device for birth control.

In fact, a 2012 study found that users of the IUD may be at an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis as compared to women who use combined oral contraceptives , the contraceptive patch, and the contraceptive vaginal ring.

Symptoms of BV are not easily recognizable. Some women do not even experience any symptoms at all.

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Copper Iuds And Fibroids: Whats The Deal

Because copper IUDs dont release hormones like others do, they arent used to help treat uterine fibroids symptoms like heavy bleeding or cramps. On the contrary, copper IUD side effects do the complete opposite. If youre looking for an easy treatment solution for fibroids, copper IUDs would not be recommended.

Either when you have one or you get one removed, copper IUDs can actually mask your fibroid symptoms if youre used to dealing with chronic period pain. Its important to get tested for fibroids and consult an experienced specialist if youre concerned about copper IUDs and fibroids. Common uterine fibroid symptoms include:

  • Pain during sex
  • Lower back or abdominal pain
  • Severe pelvic pain and cramping
  • Enlarged uterus, mimicking a pregnancy
  • Constipation or bloating

As you may notice, uterine fibroid symptoms and copper IUD side effects share similar issues. Thats why its always important to track your symptoms to know what could be the root cause of your period pain or bleeding.

Copper IUDs and fibroids can also contribute to serious iron deficiency. Additionally, if you have uterine fibroids or have low-anemia levels, copper IUDs may not be a right fit for you. Because copper IUDs often increase menstrual blood loss, this may result in iron deficiency anemia. Its important to consult your physician or a fibroid specialist before getting a copper IUD implant. Your physician will measure your anemia levels to see if you could be a candidate or not.

Not All Iuds Are The Same

I Got Pregnant With An IUD

There are two types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and nonhormonal copper IUDs . Each has pros and cons.

Hormonal IUDs release the hormone progestin. With a hormonal IUD, you may have more PMS-like symptoms, like acne, breast tenderness, headaches, moodiness, and nausea. Your periods may be lighter, shorter, and less painful.

Nonhormonal IUDs are made with copper to prevent sperm from living in your uterus. With a copper IUD, you may have heavier periods and more cramps.

âMy OBGYN suggested the Mirena IUD for managing my endometriosis pain,â says Tabitha Britt, a freelance journalist from Harrison, NJ. âWhile it helped with my pain, the side effects just weren’t worth it. It caused serious weight gain and depression. When I switched to the copper IUD, I lost weight and slowly became myself again.â

Ask your doctor which may be best for you.

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Are There Any Side Effects From Using The Hormonal Iud

Possible side effects include:

  • When it is first inserted some users have 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 95% of users will 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.

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What To Expect From Insertion To 6 Months

For the first three to six months after your IUD is placed, expect the unexpected when it comes to your periods. They may not come as regularly as they once did. You could have some spotting in between periods or heavier-than-usual periods.

The length of your periods may also increase temporarily. About 20 percent of people bleed for more than eight days in their first few months after insertion.

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How To Tell If It’s Still In Place

The GP or nurse that fits your IUD will teach you how to feel for these threads and check that it’s still in place.

Check your IUD is in place a few times in the first month and then after each period, or at regular intervals.

It’s very unlikely that your IUD will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads or think it’s moved, you may not be protected against pregnancy.

See a GP or nurse straight away and use additional contraception, such as condoms, until your IUD has been checked.

If you have had sex recently, you may need to use emergency contraception.

Your partner should not be able to feel your IUD during sex. If they can, see a GP or nurse for a check-up.

Will I Still Get My Period If I Have An Iud

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Most women have some cramping and spotting with IUDs, but this goes away within three to six months. Hormonal IUDs can reduce period cramps and make them lighter. Some of my patients periods went away altogether. Copper IUDs can make periods heavier and cramps worse, but this usually goes away over time.

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Hormonal Iuds Can Treat Heavy Periods

Most women experience significantly lighter periods after insertion of a hormonal IUD. In fact, doctors and nurse midwives sometimes recommend hormonal IUDs as a treatment for heavy periods. However, it can take time for your menstrual cycle to adjust. Many women experience unpredictable vaginal bleeding within the first 3 months after insertion of a hormonal IUD approximately 1 in 5 women have periods that last longer than 8 days in those first months.

After about 3 months, your period will probably be noticeably lighter and shorter, and it might even stop. Approximately 40% of women who have a hormonal IUD cease having menstrual periods altogether.

If your period stops, you might wonder if youre pregnant. Unplanned pregnancy is highly uncommon while a hormonal IUD is in place. In most cases, cessation of your menstrual period means your IUD is working well. However, if youre concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you can take a home pregnancy test and consult your healthcare provider. If the test is positive, call your healthcare provider right away. Pregnancy with an IUD in place can be dangerous medical attention is necessary.

After your hormonal IUD is removed, your menstrual cycle will go back to normal, although it may take a few months.

When To See A Doctor

Both hormonal and copper IUDs can cause unpleasant side effects when a doctor fits an IUD and afterward.

People may experience temporary pain, bleeding, or dizziness immediately after receiving an IUD. People should contact their doctor if these symptoms last longer than 30 minutes.

Some women may find that their body expels or rejects an IUD. In some cases, part of the IUD might dislodge from the uterus, or puncture the uterine wall. If this happens, a doctor needs to remove it as soon as possible.

Although rare, people can become pregnant with an IUD. This can lead to serious health complications, such as

People wishing to change their birth control can discuss their options with a doctor. A doctor will assess the individuals risk of developing adverse side effects. Some factors that the doctor may take into consideration include:

  • their medical history
  • their current health status
  • any medications a person is taking

The risk of having an unintended pregnancy increases when a person switches birth control methods. Doctors try to avoid gaps in protection by overlapping the new contraceptive with a previous birth control method.

People should consider using condoms or some other form of backup contraception until the new birth control takes effect.

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Your Period Is Likely To Be A Little Messed Up At First

No matter which IUD you choose, don’t expect the transition to be totally smooth-sailing after it’s been inserted. “With both types of IUDs, women can experience spotting or irregular menses for the first three to six months after IUD placement,” says Dr. Hall. So definitely stock up on pantyliners or period underwear .

Because the type of IUD you have has everything to do with how it will affect your period, it’s important to be aware of how your body works and what’s going to be the right IUD choice for you . For example, if you already have heavy bleeding and cramps from hell, you probably don’t want to even consider Paraguard as an IUD option.

“If a woman already has very heavy menses and cramps, the Skyla IUD is perhaps a better option,” says Dr. Hall. “If a woman has normal cycles, I prefer recommending the Paraguard, because maintaining our healthy natural hormones has great benefits.”

As with all methods of birth control, it’s crucial to do your IUD research, be honest with your doctor about what you need and want, and proceed from there.

Experts:

Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz M.D.

Dr. Jonathan Schaffir M.D

Risks From Pregnancy With An Iud

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While pregnancy with an IUD is uncommon, it can be dangerous for the pregnant person and the fetus. In some cases, a pregnancy with an IUD may result in an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition in which the egg attaches to tissue outside of the uterus, such as the lining of the fallopian tubes. If this type of pregnancy isnt removed, it can cause tears, bleeding, and even death.

Becoming pregnant with an IUD in place increases your risk of:

  • Infection of the fluids and tissue around the fetus
  • Slow growth of the fetus
  • Early membrane rupture
  • Low birth weight

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Weight Gain Or Weight Loss

Whilst there is no defined amount of weight that a woman can put on or lose for it to affect her period, the more significant the gain or loss in a shorter period of time the more likely her period may be late. Excessive weight loss is more likely to cause a late period than weight gain.

How Long Do You Cramp After Mirena Is Inserted

If you have a hormonal IUD such as Mirena, your bleeding and cramping may become heavier and irregular for the first three to six months. About 30 percent of women in the study reported increased cramping three months after insertion, but 25 percent said their cramps were actually better than before.

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What Are The Advantages Of An Iud

  • Long acting it lasts for between three and 10 years depending on the type of IUD.
  • Reversible you can choose to have it taken out at any time. After that, you’ll be able to get pregnant
  • 99% effective it works very well.
  • You dont need to think about contraception every day.
  • Doesn’t affect breastfeeding.
  • Doesn’t get in the way of sex.
  • The copper IUD doesn’t contain any hormones.
  • The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception.
  • The hormonal IUD has a very small amount of hormones and most people have no side effects from this.
  • The Mirena can help with period bleeding and pain. Most people with a Mirena will have light bleeding or no periods at all.

Studies show that IUDs do not cause pimples, headaches, sore breasts, nausea, mood changes, loss of sex drive or weight gain. There is no evidence of an extra risk of cancer.

WHO CAN GET AN IUD?

Most people can use an IUD, including young people and those who haven’t had children.

Hormonal IUDs are a really good option if you have heavy or painful periods.

If you have an infection, you should get it treated before you get an IUD put in.

If you have heavy or painful periods you should not get a copper IUD because it might make them worse.

Your Period Could Stop

All About Menstrual Cups [2]

For some women, thereâs less bleeding — or none at all.

âI wish I had known how many women stop getting their periods,â says Marissa Blaszko, a blogger in Hartford, CT. âMy doctors warned me about a bunch of side effects, but never that I might stop bleeding. It’s been great for 3 years. Had I known, I wouldâve gotten one years earlier.â

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