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How do IUDs work?
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IUDs decrease the viability and mobility of the sperm which prevent egg fertilization; hormonal IUDs also act by thickening cervical mucus, disrupting ovulation, and decreasing the endometrial lining and tubal motility.
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When can a woman start using an IUD?
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If you just gave birth, an IUD can be inserted immediately after delivery or during a caesarian section. It can also be inserted within 48 hours from delivery or 6-8 weeks after deliver
If amenorrhoeic or positively sure of not being pregnant, an IUD can be inserted at any time
If menstruating, an IUD can be inserted any day of the menses
If you want to switch methods, an IUD can be inserted immediately as long as the woman is sure she is not pregnant.
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How does one use IUD?
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The IUD should be inserted into the woman’s uterus by a trained health service provider (physician, nurse, or midwife), and should be inserted in a health center. If a woman wants to remove the IUD she must return to a health center for removal.
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Can IUDs cause any side effects?
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During the first 3 months, IUDs may cause abdominal cramps during menses, prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, or spotting between menses. These side effects usually decrease with time. In rare cases an IUD may cause severe abdominal pain; pain during intercourse; unusual discharge from the vagina; fever or chills; she may be unable to find the string that is attached to the device, or may find a shorter or longer string; spotting between periods for more than 3-6 months. If a woman experiences any of the latter signs, she should seek medical assistance immediately.
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How soon after insertion is the IUD effective?
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It is effective immediately; the woman can have sex as soon as she desires. |
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Why should a woman check her IUD?
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The IUD should be checked regularly to assure it still in place, as it may become dislodged or come out. This might happen especially in the first month after insertion or during the menstrual period. An IUD can come out without the woman feeling it.
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How can a woman check the IUD strings?
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Each IUD user should check the IUD strings to assure it’s still in place, and that the strings are the same length. To check the strings, the woman should do the following:
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Wash her hands with soap and water.
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Stand with one foot on the edge of a chair, bed, bathtub, or toilet, or squat or lie on her back.
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Insert 1-2 fingers into the vagina, as far as she can feel the strings, but do not pull the strings. Pulling the strings might move the IUD or cause it to come out.
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If she does not find the strings or feels they are longer or shorter than usual, she should visit her health service provider.
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How often should a woman check the strings?
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After the IUD has been inserted, women should check IUD strings once a week during the first month, then after each menstrual period, whenever she has stronger cramps than normal, or feels any signs of a serious problem.
A woman should visit her service provider if she doesn’t feel the strings, feels strings are longer or shorter than they used to be, or she feels the hard part of the IUD in her vagina or at her cervix. With postpartum IUDs, women might not feel the strings, as they might not come down through the cervix. |
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When should a woman have the IUD removed?
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A woman is free have the IUD removed anytime she wishes; however, she must remove it under the following circumstances:
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When the effective lifespan of IUD is due (time frame varies depending on type).
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When the woman reaches menopause (after at least one year from her last period).
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When the woman faces serious side effects that she cannot tolerate.
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If the woman becomes pregnant.
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If the IUD has partially come out of place.
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If the woman gets acute pelvic inflammatory disease.
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If the woman experiences heavy vaginal bleeding.
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Can the IUD be used in case of unprotected sex for emergency contraceptive?
Yes, she can use a copper T IUD within the first 5 days from unprotected sex; see Emergency Contraceptives to learn more about this method.
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Should I give my body a break from using the IUD every few years or so?
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No, this is not necessary. There are no benefits to your health from taking a break; on the contrary if you stop using the IUD without switching to another effective method, you increase your risk of becoming pregnant.
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