What I Wish I Knew Before getting an IUD?

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs

“The studies basically show that there's less than 5% [of IUD users] who show any weight gain, and it's generally a little water weight.” Even with hormonal IUDs like Mirena, which emit progestin, so little of the hormone gets into your system that any effects on weight are minor, he says.

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Weight Gain Not a Side Effect of IUD - WebMD

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.

What should you not do before getting an IUD?

Eat a light meal or snack beforehand so you don't get dizzy. Also drink some water. You'll need to give a urine sample so your doctor can make sure you're not pregnant before they put the IUD in. Ask your doctor if you should take a pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before your appointment.

What you should know before getting an IUD?

What to expect when you first get IUD?

You may have cramping and spotting after getting an IUD, but this almost always goes away within 3-6 months. Hormonal IUDs eventually make periods lighter and less crampy, and you might stop getting a period at all. On the flip side, copper IUDs may make periods heavier and cramps worse.

What is a major disadvantage of using an IUD?

Cons. They don't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Insertion can be painful. The upfront cost can be expensive if you don't have insurance.

IUD Experience *Honest* One Year Copper IUD Experience

Can he finish in me if I have an IUD?

Can my partner finish in me with an IUD? Your partner can finish inside the vagina. The IUD will still work to prevent pregnancy.

Do you gain weight from IUD?

The majority of IUD users do not experience weight gain. Copper, non-hormonal IUDs do not cause any weight gain, whereas about 5% of patients using hormonal IUDs report weight gain. Since Mirena is a hormonal IUD, Mirena weight gain is possible, if unlikely.

Why is IUD insertion so painful?

The main reason most women cramp during and after an IUD insertion is that your cervix has been opened to allow the IUD to fit through. Everyone's experience is different. For many, the cramps will start to subside by the time you leave the doctor's office.

What should you avoid after getting an IUD?

Immediately after insertion, it is important not to insert anything into the vagina for 48 hours (i.e. no tampons, bath, swimming, hot tub, sexual intercourse). There is about 1% chance of the IUD slipping or being expelled, and the chance is highest in the first few weeks.

How long does the pain last after IUD insertion?

For some women, cramping lasts 1-2 days after the IUD goes in. For others, it lasts a few weeks. Or it could be as long as 3-6 months before it goes away. You may also have irregular, heavy bleeding for 3 to 6 months.

Does your cervix get pierced when you get an IUD?

For procedures that require access to the uterus, gynecologists insert the tenaculum into the vagina, piercing the cervix tissue to seize and pull it steadily (e.g. during IUD insertion).

Do you need someone to drive you home after IUD?

Since most women only feel slight discomfort during the procedure, they are usually fine to drive themselves afterward and resume their daily activities. Since you may not know how you will react to your insertion procedure, you may wish to arrange for somebody to drive you home.

Can IUD cause mood swings?

Hormonal intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are a common form of hormonal birth control that have been used for decades. However, the synthetic progestin hormone that the IUD emits, levonorgestrel, may cause mood swings and other mental health changes for some women.

How long does it take to recover from IUD insertion?

Recovery can be almost immediate, but some women experience cramping discomfort for the rest of the day. Heating pads and over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers can help. Cramping and spotting may continue intermittently for 3 to 6 months. This is normal.

What is the best time for IUD insertion?

PIP: Some clinicians feel that the best time for inserting an IUD is during a woman's menstrual period. At that time the cervix is dilated, the chance of introducing an IUD into a pregnant uterus is slight, and the menstrual bleeding masks bleeding due to insertion.

Can a tampon pull out an IUD?

Neither a tampon nor sex should pull your IUD out.

“You have to use a special device to remove it. And it's slippery.” It's a common concern, she said, but it's very uncommon for the IUD to be unintentionally displaced.

How badly does an IUD hurt?

Most people describe their pain as cramping. By the time the insertion is complete, and the speculum is removed, the reported pain score ranges drop to 0 to 3. As part of an IUD insertion appointment, I tell my patients that they will experience three quick cramps that should resolve quickly.

Does getting an IUD feel like labor?

Findings of this study and their interpretation. Our findings show that, overall, women in the study experienced less pain during their IUD insertion procedure than they had expected, but this was only statistically significant for women who had previously had a vaginal delivery.

How long did you bleed after IUD insertion?

Bleeding After Mirena Insertion

Patients may experience sporadic, light bleeding for up to three months after insertion. After about six months, half of women have just light spotting for about three days a month. About a fifth of women stop having periods completely after a year with a Mirena.

Does IUD cause acne?

“Hormonal IUDs can actually cause acne,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. In fact, acne is a known side effect of IUDs like Mirena, Liletta, and Skyla. You may be more affected if you're already prone to hormonal breakouts — particularly if you experience breakouts before your period.

What is the Mirena crash?

The Mirena crash refers to one or a cluster of symptoms that last for days, weeks, or months after the Mirena IUD has been removed. These symptoms are thought to be the result of a hormonal imbalance, which occurs when the body is no longer receiving progestin.

What does an IUD feel like for a guy?

Usually your partners won't be able to feel the IUD string with their penis during sex, but every once in a while some people say they can feel it. If this happens and it bothers you or your partner, talk with your nurse or doctor — they may be able to trim the string so it doesn't stick out as much.

What are the pros and cons of an IUD?

Does Mirena IUD make your breasts bigger?

IUDs are unlikely to increase breast size because they either contain no hormones or just progestin. Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone are most likely to affect your breasts.

Can an IUD change your personality?

Some people experience mood changes while using hormonal contraception. Data suggest that around 6.4% of people who use the Mirena IUD experience low mood or depression within 5 years.