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Table of Contents

How to Offset Side Effects

Changing Birth Control

IUD Removal

Intrauterine devices(IUDs) are birth control devices that are inserted into the uterus toprevent pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs release progestin into the body, whilecopper IUDsare nonhormonal and prevent pregnancy due to the chemical reactions that occur from the copper that’s present on the IUD.

Each type comes with side effects that may be temporary or longer-term, including bleeding, cramping, headaches, nausea, and more. While certain side effects are usually manageable, there are some signs to watch out for that indicate an IUD should be removed.

This article discusses the most common side effects of hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs, including after insertion and long term, and when to consider switching birth control methods.

Courtney Hale/ Getty Images

A healthcare provider discussing treatment options with a patient

During anIUD insertion, it’s possible to feel some discomfort, such as:

Some people may experience cramping and back pain for a day or two following the procedure, while for others, these side effects could last longer, for weeks or months.

There are some potential side effects and complications that may develop after an IUD insertion, which include:

Although rare, the following complications may also be possible after IUD insertion:

Check with a healthcare provider right away if you’re experiencing severe pain in the pelvic area, fever, unusual vagina discharge, signs of pregnancy, or the ability to feel the T-shaped part of the IUD device in the cervix or vagina. These may be signs of an issue with the IUD that would require removal.

Risk Factors For IUD ComplicationsSome people may be more prone to developing side effects and complications from an IUD. These risk factors include:Teenagers, people who experienceheavy menstrual bleeding, and people who have an IUD inserted right after childbirth may have a higher risk of the device slipping out of the uterus.People with an undiagnosedsexually transmitted infection(STI) during the time that the IUD is placed might be more likely to develop PID.People who have aretroverted uterus(the uterus is tilted backward slightly) can be more likely to experience an IUD perforating (poking through and damaging) the wall of the uterus.

Risk Factors For IUD Complications

Some people may be more prone to developing side effects and complications from an IUD. These risk factors include:Teenagers, people who experienceheavy menstrual bleeding, and people who have an IUD inserted right after childbirth may have a higher risk of the device slipping out of the uterus.People with an undiagnosedsexually transmitted infection(STI) during the time that the IUD is placed might be more likely to develop PID.People who have aretroverted uterus(the uterus is tilted backward slightly) can be more likely to experience an IUD perforating (poking through and damaging) the wall of the uterus.

Some people may be more prone to developing side effects and complications from an IUD. These risk factors include:

How an IUD (Intrauterine Device) Works

How to Offset IUD Side Effects

Most IUD side effects are experienced within the first few months after insertion; they then tend to dwindle. Expert-recommended ways to manage the most common side effects include:

Complications of Older IUD Versions

An IUD known as the Dalkon Shield was manufactured with a type of string that allowed bacteria to enter the uterus, resulting in issues like pelvic infections, miscarriages,sepsis, infertility, andhysterectomies.Because thousands of IUD users were affected, lawsuits ensued, and the Dalkon Shield was pulled from the market.

Deciding to Change Birth Control

There are many types of birth control available, and deciding to switch to a different option is a personal decision.IUDsare 99% effective atpreventing pregnancy, but they may not be right for everyone.

If you’re interested in taking out your IUD and changing to another type of birth control, you’ll have to see a healthcare provider for removal. Note that pregnancy is possible anytime after an IUD is removed. Be mindful of that time frame as you transition to a new contraceptive method.

A Word From VerywellIUDs are highly effective and generally well-tolerated. Even though side effects are usually minor and short-lived, only you can decide if the side effects from your IUD are tolerable enough to make this form of contraception worth it for you.—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

A Word From Verywell

IUDs are highly effective and generally well-tolerated. Even though side effects are usually minor and short-lived, only you can decide if the side effects from your IUD are tolerable enough to make this form of contraception worth it for you.—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

IUDs are highly effective and generally well-tolerated. Even though side effects are usually minor and short-lived, only you can decide if the side effects from your IUD are tolerable enough to make this form of contraception worth it for you.

—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Andrea L. Braden

Side Effects From IUD Removal

Removing an IUD is typically a relatively easy process that takes just a few minutes to complete. Still, there’s a chance for additional side effects and complications to occur.

During and after the actual removal, many people experience slight cramping.This pain may be especially uncomfortable if your IUD insertion was also painful or if you haven’t given birth before.Along with cramping, there may also be light spotting.

Menstrual period changesare also possible after an IUD removal. With copper IUDs, your menstrual period may become lighter. Hormonal IUDs may prompt an increase in menstrual period bleeding after removal.

Anecdotally, hormonal IUD users may experience what’s been called a hormone “crash” (hormonal imbalance) after removal, perhaps as a reaction to the sudden drop inprogestinthat the body has become used to. This potential side effect may be more noticeable for some people than others.

Heavy bleeding, which some experts generally define as soaking through more than one tampon or pad every hour for several hours at a time, should be discussed with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Summary

While hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs have many benefits, they also come with the potential for side effects. Potential side effects during and after IUD insertion include pain, cramping, changes in menstrual bleeding, and weight gain. These side effects often go away in the weeks that follow. If the side effects are severe, long-lasting, or abnormal, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss changing birth control methods.

Do the Benefits of an IUD Outweigh the Potential Side Effects?

15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Deciding about an IUD.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): Intrauterine device (IUD) and implant.Planned Parenthood.What’s an IUD insertion like?MedlinePlus.Intrauterine devices (IUD).Rowlands S, Oloto E, Horwell D.Intrauterine devices and risk of uterine perforation: current perspectives.OAJC. 2016;7:19-32. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85546Madden T, Proehl S, Allsworth JE, Secura GM, Peipert JF.Naproxen or estradiol for bleeding and spotting with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system: a randomized controlled trial.Am J Obstet Gynecol.2012 Feb;206(2):129.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.09.021Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of IUDs?Sivin I.Another look at the Dalkon Shield: Meta-analysis underscores its problems.Contraception. 1993;48(1):1-12.Wu CM, Noska A.Intrauterine device infection causing concomitant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and pelvic abscess with Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteraemia.BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-213236Planned Parenthood.How effective are IUDs?Eunice Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Other contraception and birth control FAQs.Planned Parenthood.How does IUD removal work?Bahamondes L, Mansour D, Fiala C, et al.Practical advice for avoidance of pain associated with insertion of intrauterine contraceptives.J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2014;40(1):54-60. doi:10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100636Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Intrauterine device (IUD) removal.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.

15 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Deciding about an IUD.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): Intrauterine device (IUD) and implant.Planned Parenthood.What’s an IUD insertion like?MedlinePlus.Intrauterine devices (IUD).Rowlands S, Oloto E, Horwell D.Intrauterine devices and risk of uterine perforation: current perspectives.OAJC. 2016;7:19-32. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85546Madden T, Proehl S, Allsworth JE, Secura GM, Peipert JF.Naproxen or estradiol for bleeding and spotting with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system: a randomized controlled trial.Am J Obstet Gynecol.2012 Feb;206(2):129.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.09.021Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of IUDs?Sivin I.Another look at the Dalkon Shield: Meta-analysis underscores its problems.Contraception. 1993;48(1):1-12.Wu CM, Noska A.Intrauterine device infection causing concomitant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and pelvic abscess with Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteraemia.BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-213236Planned Parenthood.How effective are IUDs?Eunice Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Other contraception and birth control FAQs.Planned Parenthood.How does IUD removal work?Bahamondes L, Mansour D, Fiala C, et al.Practical advice for avoidance of pain associated with insertion of intrauterine contraceptives.J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2014;40(1):54-60. doi:10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100636Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Intrauterine device (IUD) removal.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

MedlinePlus.Deciding about an IUD.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): Intrauterine device (IUD) and implant.Planned Parenthood.What’s an IUD insertion like?MedlinePlus.Intrauterine devices (IUD).Rowlands S, Oloto E, Horwell D.Intrauterine devices and risk of uterine perforation: current perspectives.OAJC. 2016;7:19-32. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85546Madden T, Proehl S, Allsworth JE, Secura GM, Peipert JF.Naproxen or estradiol for bleeding and spotting with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system: a randomized controlled trial.Am J Obstet Gynecol.2012 Feb;206(2):129.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.09.021Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of IUDs?Sivin I.Another look at the Dalkon Shield: Meta-analysis underscores its problems.Contraception. 1993;48(1):1-12.Wu CM, Noska A.Intrauterine device infection causing concomitant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and pelvic abscess with Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteraemia.BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-213236Planned Parenthood.How effective are IUDs?Eunice Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Other contraception and birth control FAQs.Planned Parenthood.How does IUD removal work?Bahamondes L, Mansour D, Fiala C, et al.Practical advice for avoidance of pain associated with insertion of intrauterine contraceptives.J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2014;40(1):54-60. doi:10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100636Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Intrauterine device (IUD) removal.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.

MedlinePlus.Deciding about an IUD.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): Intrauterine device (IUD) and implant.

Planned Parenthood.What’s an IUD insertion like?

MedlinePlus.Intrauterine devices (IUD).

Rowlands S, Oloto E, Horwell D.Intrauterine devices and risk of uterine perforation: current perspectives.OAJC. 2016;7:19-32. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85546

Madden T, Proehl S, Allsworth JE, Secura GM, Peipert JF.Naproxen or estradiol for bleeding and spotting with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system: a randomized controlled trial.Am J Obstet Gynecol.2012 Feb;206(2):129.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.09.021

Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of IUDs?

Sivin I.Another look at the Dalkon Shield: Meta-analysis underscores its problems.Contraception. 1993;48(1):1-12.

Wu CM, Noska A.Intrauterine device infection causing concomitant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and pelvic abscess with Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteraemia.BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-213236

Planned Parenthood.How effective are IUDs?

Eunice Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Other contraception and birth control FAQs.

Planned Parenthood.How does IUD removal work?

Bahamondes L, Mansour D, Fiala C, et al.Practical advice for avoidance of pain associated with insertion of intrauterine contraceptives.J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2014;40(1):54-60. doi:10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100636

Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Intrauterine device (IUD) removal.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.

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