Many women have questions after getting an IUD fitted. They wonder when they can start having sex again. Is waiting for weeks or months necessary? Could there be a risk of infection? They also worry if it might impact how well the coil works. This article aims to clear up these concerns by providing crucial info.
Key Takeaways:
- It is recommended to wait at least three days after coil fitting before having sex to reduce the risk of infection.
- Using a sanitary pad instead of tampons during the first three days after the procedure is advisable.
- The level of pain varies among women, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
- While the copper coil provides immediate contraception, hormonal IUDs take a few days to become effective.
- Regularly checking the threads of the IUD and seeking medical attention for any unusual symptoms or changes is important.
- IUDs do not stop you getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Recovery Period and Effectiveness of IUDs
After getting an intrauterine device (IUD), give yourself a 24-hour break before sexual activities. This rest period helps in lowering infection risks. It also keeps your reproductive system healthy.
A copper or non hormonal IUD, starts providing contraceptive protection right away. By causing a reaction in the uterus, copper IUDs stop sperm and eggs from meeting, therefore preventing pregnancy effective immediately.
Hormonal IUDs like Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla use levonorgestrel. They make the cervical mucus thicker, affect ovulation, and thin the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. If you get one during the start of your period, it works right away. Otherwise, use extra birth control for a week after fitting.
Choosing between a copper and hormonal IUD can involve several factors not just when it becomes effective. Talk to our expert contraceptive doctor Dr Smith for advice on the best IUD and contraceptive methods for you.
The IUD insertion process is done by a doctor using special tools. It might hurt a bit during and after. Taking painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease the pain. Remember, the discomfort is temporary compared to the long-lasting benefits of IUDs.
Post-Insertion Symptoms and Instructions
After getting an IUD, you might feel cramps and have some bleeding, just like during a period. How long this lasts differs from person to person. If it hurts, you can take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to feel better. For for more information and advice see our article on Advice for After You Have Had a Contraceptive Coil Fitted, and our advice for Coping with Pain After Coil Fitting
Keep an eye on any pain or bleeding after putting in the IUD. If it gets worse, it might mean there’s an infection or the IUD has become loose. It’s important to get checked by a health professional or GP quickly in these cases. Three weeks later, check if you can feel the IUD’s threads. If they’re there and everything seems fine, you might not require a follow up visit. But if you can’t find the threads or something feels off, seek medical advice.
If you’re worried your IUD has moved or can’t feel the threads, get help from a sexual health service or see a doctor.
Remember: Any IUD whether its a non-hormonal / copper coil or a hormonal coil such as a Mirena or Kyleena DO NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections, or STIs . Use a condom every time you have sex with a new or untested partner to protect you both against STIs.
FAQ
When is it safe to have sex after coil fitting?
Wait for three days after getting the coil fitted before having sex. This reduces infection risk.
What should I use for menstrual protection after coil fitting?
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons for the first three days after the procedure.
What changes can I expect in my bleeding patterns after coil insertion?
You might bleed more and have bleeding between periods after getting a coil. Copper coils can make your flow heavier and periods longer. Hormonal coils like Mirena or Kyleena can cause irregular bleeding in the first 3-6 months.
Is there any pain after coil fitting, and how can it be managed?
Pain varies from none to strong cramps after coil fitting. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help.
How soon does the IUD provide protection against pregnancy?
Copper coil works right away. Mirena or Kyleena needs seven days, unless fitted on your period’s first day.
When should I schedule a check-up appointment after coil fitting?
Make a check-up appointment for six weeks after your coil fitting.
How often should I check the threads of the coil?
Check the coil’s threads monthly or after each period. Seek medical help if you find any changes or feel unusual cramps.
How long should I wait before having sex after IUD insertion?
Wait 24 hours after getting an IUD before you have sex. This minimises infection risk.
How does the copper IUD work as contraception?
Copper IUDs like ParaGard start working immediately. They create a reaction that stops sperm and eggs from surviving.
How does hormonal IUD prevent pregnancy?
Hormonal IUDs, like Mirena, thicken your cervical mucus. They may also stop ovulation and thin the uterine lining.
How soon does the hormonal IUD provide protection against pregnancy?
If placed within seven days of your period’s start, hormonal IUDs work straight away. Otherwise, use extra protection for a week.
Where can I get advice on IUDs and other contraceptive methods?
Talk us at The Coil Clinic for advice on IUDs and contraception. We are a specialist private contraception clinic
What are the post-insertion symptoms of an IUD?
It’s normal to have cramps and bleeding like a period after an IUD is fitted. The amount of pain and bleeding varies.
How can I manage the pain after IUD insertion?
Take paracetamol, ibuprofen, or other painkillers for relief.
What should I do if I experience increased pain or bleeding after IUD insertion?
If pain or bleeding gets worse after the fitting, it might mean there’s an infection or the IUD has moved. See a doctor quickly.
How often should I check the threads of the IUD?
Check your coil threads three weeks after fitting. If they’re in place and you’re not worried, no need for more checks. If not, see a doctor.
What should I do if there are concerns about IUD movement or difficulty in feeling the threads?
If worried about the IUD’s position or can’t feel the threads, seek advice from a sexual health service or see a GP. Use condoms as an extra precaution.
