Cramping after inserting or removing an IUD

Many women who get an intrauterine device (IUD) experience cramping while fitting the device and for a short period afterwards.

To insert an IUD London, the doctor will push a small tube containing the device into your uterus through your cervix, and this may result in cramping. Cramping, which also occurs during periods, is the body’s response to the cervix getting opened. The intensity of cramping experienced during an IUD fitting varies between persons.

Some people experience the same pain during a Pap smear and mild discomfort after the procedure. However, others may experience pain and cramping that last for a few days. Some people only experience minor cramping and pain, especially if they usually have mild cramps during their periods or have delivered a baby.

Some people who have a history of painful periods or have never delivered a baby may experience stronger cramps during and after their IUD insertion.

How long does cramping last?

The most common reason for cramping during and after an IUD fitting is the cervix being opened to allow the IUD to fit into the uterus.

Everyone has a different experience, but for most people, the cramp subsides as they leave the doctor’s office. However, it is normal to experience discomfort and spotting for several hours after your coil fitting London.

The severity of the cramps will gradually reduce but will continue in the first few weeks after the insertion. They will likely stop after the first 3 – 6 months, but see a doctor if the discomfort persists or the pain is intense.

How will an IUD affect your monthly menstrual periods?

The effect of IUD in your monthly cycle will depend on the type of IUD you inserted and your body’s response to it.

If you inserted a non-hormonal copper IUD (ParaGard), your periods and cramping might be more intense and prolonged within the first few months. Spotting and bleeding between periods may also occur.

A 2015 study showed that about 70% of copper IUD users experienced heavier bleeding in the first three months after copper IUD insertion. Still, by the sixth month, less than half reported heavier bleeding and increased cramping.

If you inserted a hormonal IUD like Mirena, cramping and bleeding might be heavier and irregular in the first 3 – 6 months. A study showed that 30% of women experienced increased cramping within three months after their hormonal IUD insertion, but 25% reported less cramping.

You may also notice spotting after a hormonal IUD insertion. Over 70% of women who participated in the study reported lighter bleeding than before at three months. After six months, 60% reported less bleeding than they experienced in the first three months.

Regardless of which IUD you use, cramping, bleeding, and spotting between periods will reduce over time, and in some cases, periods stop.

What can relieve cramping?

  • Immediate relief

Although your cramps will not stop completely, the following can help ease the discomfort;

  • Over the counter pain medication

You can take ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) to ease your pain, but ensure you take the recommended dose and discuss with your doctor the drug interactions you may have with other medications you take.

  • Heat

You can use either a hot water bottle or a heating pad for a few days. Alternatively, fill a sock with rice and microwave it. Soaking in a warm bath or hot tub may also relieve your pain.

  • Exercise

Being active helps ease cramps, so you can walk or engage in other activities if you feel cramps.

  • Positioning

Some yoga poses can reduce your cramps by loosening and stretching painful muscles. You can try the Pigeon, Bow, Cat, Cow, Camel, Fish, Cobra, and One-legged forward bend positions to ease your cramps.

  • Acupressure

Putting pressure on some points can help relieve your cramps. For example, you can press into the arch of your foot for relief.

  • Long-term strategies

If you continue feeling cramps for more than one week, you may have to consult your doctor about long-term strategies to relieve the discomfort.

Some long-term strategies for relief include:

  • Supplements

Vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, fennel, magnesium, and French maritime pine bark extract are examples of supplements that can reduce cramping over time. However, talk to your doctor about supplements you can try and how to take them.

  • Acupuncture

You can see a licensed professional specialising in acupuncture as stimulating some points on your body by inserting needles in your skin can relieve cramps.

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Your doctor may recommend an at-home TENS device for your cramps. This handheld device sends small electric currents to the skin, stimulating your nerves and blocking pain signals to the brain.

What to do if the cramps don’t stop

Some people’s bodies cannot tolerate having a device in their uterus, so they experience continuous cramps.

If your cramps are severe or continue for three months or more, call your doctor. The doctor may request that you visit the clinic to check if the IUD is still in place. If you no longer need the IUD or the device shifted out of place, the doctor will remove it.

Ensure you see the doctor immediately under the following conditions;

  • Fever or chills
  • Foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge
  • Severe cramping
  • No or slowed periods, or heavier periods than normal
  • Unusual heavy bleeding

These symptoms above may be a sign of an underlying condition such as IUD expulsion or infection. Ensure you call your doctor immediately if you feel the length of the IUD string has changed, think you are pregnant, or feel the IUD coming out through your cervix.

Will cramping occur during IUD removal?

If your IUD strings are still accessible, the doctor can easily remove them without complications. Although you may experience cramping during the IUD removal, it will not be as intense as the IUD insertion. If your IUD strings have coiled up through your cervix, the IUD removal may be more difficult.

People who experienced a painful insertion or have a low threshold for pain may have to talk to the doctor about getting a numbing shot or lidocaine to reduce sensation around the cervix.

If you need a new IUD to replace the old one, you may experience the same cramping as when you had the first IUD inserted.

You can reduce the likelihood of experiencing cramps during your IUD insertion by scheduling the IUD insertion appointment during your periods because your cervix sits lower during this period.

IUDs are about 99% protection against pregnancy, so if you need effective contraception, visit Gynaecology Clinic today to have an IUD fitted. You can contact us now on 020 7183 0435 for a private coil fitting near me.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *