You can get the Hormonal IUD inserted at any time of the month. Some providers prefer to insert it during your period because the cervix is usually dilated, but any time is fine, so long as you are not pregnant [4].
How do you prepare for a Hormonal IUD insertion?
The first step to getting a Hormonal IUD is to talk with your healthcare provider. You will be questioned and given a cervical examination to determine whether the IUD is right for you [5].
The examination conducted before an IUD insertion may include testing for Sexually transmitted diseases.
Once it’s determined that you are not pregnant and do not have any infection, your healthcare provider will ask you to lie on your back and place your foot on a footrest. This is similar to any other gynecological examination; for privacy reasons, a sheet will be draped over the lower part of your body. Your provider will then conduct a pelvic exam using their fingers. This will help him determine your uterus and ovaries’ shape, size, and position. To make you more comfortable during this process, a healthcare provider might ask you to take a painkiller or sedate you with a numbing injection that is administered around your cervix.
How long is a Hormonal IUD insertion procedure?
The process of getting an IUD inserted will typically take 5-10 minutes. The healthcare provider will explain the procedure and show you the Hormonal IUD and the devices used for the insertion procedure. She will then insert a speculum into your vagina to hold the cervix open. The next step will be to clean your vagina and cervix using an antiseptic. The provider will then use a special inserter to place the IUD into your uterus. Once the IUD is in place, the inserter is removed then the IUD strings are trimmed to the desired height, followed by the removal of the speculum. Your healthcare provider will alert you once the insertion is complete and will typically ask you to rest for a while, only to sit up slowly and dress once comfortable. You will then be taken through what to expect next.
What to expect after a Hormonal IUD insertion
It is common to feel cramps and back pains when you get an IUD inserted, but they will quickly go away with rest or pain medication. Some women might feel dizzy, so planning to rest after the insertion procedure is important. One should also expect some spotting or bleeding soon after the insertion. While IUD insertion is not a complicated procedure, the laws in your country might require you to be accompanied by someone who can take you home. Confirm this with your healthcare provider when booking your appointment. But, even where it is not mandatory, having someone to drive you home allows you to enjoy a comfortable recovery from any side effects experienced immediately after the insertion.
How long does cramping last after a Hormonal IUD insertion?
You will most like to feel some cramping during the insertion. For some people, the pain may be worse than a cramp, but will usually go away within 2 minutes.
You might experience cramping and pain for a few more days. This can be easily managed with a painkiller like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
How long do you bleed after a Hormonal IUD insertion?
Changes in bleeding patterns are common after a hormonal IUD insertion, but this will usually subside within three to six months. Hormonal IUDs are known to make periods less crampy and lighter. Some people have also reported not having periods after 1 to 2 years. If your changes in bleeding patterns are more than you can bear, you should discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
How do you check the Hormonal IUD position?
Once the IUD is in, you may notice a little string that hangs down from around two inches from the uterus to the very top of your vagina (the string does not hang out of the vagina). The string is there so that the IUD can be removed later [6]. Once it is in, you should check the ends of the strings a few times a year to make sure the IUD is in place.
– Clean your hands with soap and water, then sit or squat down.
– put your finger in your vagina until you touch your cervix, which will feel firm and rubbery like the tip of your nose.
– feel for the strings. If you find them, congrats, your IUD is good to go. But, if you feel the hard part of the IUD against your cervix, you may need to have it adjusted or replaced by your provider.
– do not tug on the strings! If you do, the IUD could move out of place.
– if you are not comfortable checking for the strings, your provider can check it the month after insertion and then yearly after that.
To minimize the risk of infection, you will be advised by your healthcare provider to avoid, menstrual cups, tampons, vaginal sex, bathing (immersed fully in water), and swimming for at least 24 hours after the insertion.
It is also recommended that you consult your healthcare provider right away if within 20 days following the IUD insertion, you experience the following unusual symptoms:
– abnormal discharge from your vagina;
– fever/chills;
– severe pain during sex;
– nausea and/or vomiting; and
– pain in the lower part of your tummy.
These symptoms may be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease(PID). PID occurs when an IUD is inserted in someone who has Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. Unless you want the IUD removed, your healthcare provider should be able to treat PID and other sexually transmitted infections, without removing the IUD. But if the PID does not respond to treatment, you will be advised to have the IUD removed, and then continue with your treatment. It is advisable to use a condom during the treatment of Gonorrhea or Chlamydia and to shift to another contraceptive if you have had your IUD removed during treatment. The IUD can be inserted again after the PID treatment.
When does a hormonal IUD start working?
If inserted during the first seven days of menstrual periods, the Hormonal IUD will be immediately effective in preventing pregnancy. If inserted at any other time of one’s menstrual cycle, it will become effective seven days after the insertion.
How long after the Hormonal IUD insertion can one have sex?
Once the IUD has been inserted, you can have sex as soon as you like. However, if the IUD was not inserted during your menstrual periods, you will need to use a backup method for 7 days, as you wait for the IUD to become effective.
When can I use tampons after a hormonal IUD insertion?
To minimize the risk of getting an infection, it is recommended that you wait for at least 24 hours after the IUD insertion before you can use a tampon, have vaginal sex, or take a bath.
