While some users have reported experiencing side effects after a copper IUD insertion, most of these go away as soon as your body has adjusted to it, which usually takes between three to six months [9].
Common side effects of the Non-hormonal IUD
– spotting between periods (especially during the first few months after you get an IUD);
– increased period flow and cramps (for some people, these disappear within a few months, but if they persist, we recommend that you consult your doctor);
– backache; and
– anemia in some women if the woman had low blood stores before the IUD insertion.
Copper IUD Rare complications
If a woman had gonorrhea or chlamydia when the IUD was inserted, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may occur. Based on the severity of the infection, PID can be treated with antibiotics, with or without the removal of the IUD.
The IUD pushes through the wall of the uterus. This can only be diagnosed in a health-care facility (based on specific symptoms) and the IUD needs to be removed by a qualified health-care provider.
The IUD is slipping out. If you suspect that your IUD is either on its way out or is already out, you should consult a qualified health-care provider for guidance. In the rare case of an IUD being inserted while pregnant, the outcome may be an infection, miscarriage, or pre-term birth [10].
If, after three months, you feel the side effects are more than you can accept, you can have it removed and switch to another method of contraception. Remember that the non-hormonal IUD contraceptive does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
I have a Copper IUD and I have cramps, what do to?
It is normal to experience cramps during insertion and a few days after. This can be managed with painkillers like ibuprofen. With copper IUD, it is also expected that you will likely have heavy periods, with cramps for the next 3-6 months. If the cramps do not subside within 6 months, you should visit your healthcare provider to discuss your options.
How to stop bleeding and spotting after a Copper IUD insertion?
Bleeding or spotting after a copper IUD insertion is not a sign of sickness. Although your bleeding may seem heavier, it is unlikely that you are losing much blood. In case you suspect that you are losing too much blood, several months after insertion, talk to your healthcare provider. You will likely be asked to take a hemoglobin level test and if your blood count is low or have anemia, you will be put on the necessary blood replacement supplements.
Can my Copper IUD strings hurt my partner?
While some partners have claimed to feel the IUD strings during vaginal sex, most will not feel anything. In any case, the IUD strings usually soften up with time to a point where your partner will not feel them at all.
However, if your partner feels bothered by the strings, you can visit your healthcare provider to have them trimmed further. You will be advised that the shorter the IUD strings are cut, the more difficult it might be to remove the IUD, and you may later require a specially trained healthcare provider to do so.
Does non-hormonal iud cause weight gain?
No. A non-hormonal IUD does not cause any loss or gain in weight. This is because it does not contain any hormones that are known to cause shifts in one’s weight.
