An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device made of elastic plastic that contains copper or hormones.

The vaginal IUD inhibits the ability of sperm to move, and ovulation may not occur at all.

Because of this, the likelihood of fertilization itself decreases. Hormone-containing the spiral thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents the penetration of a fertilized egg into the uterine cavity.

The vaginal device is today the best non-hormonal remedy protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Is this an intrauterine device?

The action of the intrauterine device has two directions:

• mechanical impact on the uterine epithelium, as a result of which changes occur in the structure of the endometrium, and the fertilized egg cannot attach
• foam, formed during inflammatory processes caused by the effect of the spiral on the epithelium, reduces sperm motility and viability

In addition, copper enhances the contraceptive effect, causing aseptic inflammation in the uterus.

Essentially, this method of contraception is abortive. Because pregnancy as such may well occur, and the fertilized egg penetrates the uterine cavity, but is not able to implant into it due to disturbances in the endometrial layer.

The embryo dies on the 7-10th day of conception. But in most cases, the egg does not even have time to mature. The IUD expands the fallopian tubes, and it moves through them several times faster than usual. As a result, the egg remains immature and unable to conceive.

How to install an intrauterine device?

The intrauterine device is installed by an obstetrician-gynecologist in a medical institution.

We'll post the video as usual.

Previously, a woman must undergo examination and pass the following tests:

• for sexually transmitted infections
• HIV, hepatitis
• flora smear
• scraping from the cervix
• general urine analysis
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

If there are no contraindications for the installation of an intrauterine device and the woman is not expecting a child, she makes an appointment with the local gynecologist. The doctor inserts the IUD into the uterine cavity.

It should be noted that the spiral is placed mainly giving birth family women. For nulliparous persons, hormone-containing spiral for medical reasons.

For example, Mirena reduces the amount of bleeding during menstruation, thereby preventing the growth of fibromatous nodes on the uterus. In women who have given birth, the uterine cavity is 2 times smaller than in a nulliparous woman, and the cervical canal, on the contrary, is more elongated. In this regard, it is more convenient to install an IUD for women who have already become mothers.

The introduction of the spiral is carried out in middle cycle. During this period, the antibacterial activity of cervical mucus is maximum, and the risk of rejection and other troubles is reduced.

The surface of the cervix is ​​treated painkillers gel. In extremely rare cases, an analgesic injection may be given. But in general, a woman feels only mild pain, comparable to that which occurs at the beginning of menstruation.

Try not to do physical work. In the first week after installation, avoid sex and sports. During this time, spotting and heaviness in the lower abdomen may occur.

This is not scary, but if the pain is severe and does not stop, then you need to see a doctor to remove the coil.

How to remove a spiral?

The intrauterine device is shaped like a letter. "T" with antennae below.

The spiral itself will be pulled out for them. The process of removing it in most cases painless, but the woman most often experiences discomfort.

If there are no complications such as uterine perforation, removal of the intrauterine device is carried out in a clinic.

The woman lies down on the gynecological chair, the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina to see the cervix. It is treated with an antiseptic. Then, using forceps and other auxiliary instruments, the gynecologist will try to “grab” the antennae and pull the spiral out of the uterine cavity.

If for some reason this cannot be done, removal will be carried out using a hysteroscope.

During removal, the woman will feel cramps and aching pain inside the abdomen, bleeding is possible, but all this goes away quite quickly.

Reliability as a means of contraception

This method of contraception is considered the most reliable of all available, and its effectiveness is equal to 99,9%.

From 100 of women who received the IUD within a year, pregnancy occurred only in one.

Moreover, the woman simply did not notice that her spiral had fallen out. And it falls out in those who have just given birth to a child, and in nulliparous women due to the wider passage of the cervical canal.

But do not forget that the intrauterine device does not protect against infections sexually transmitted diseases, so you should not forget about a condom if you do not have a regular sexual partner.

Combining these two methods of contraception increases the inability to conceive up to 100%.

If the IUD is installed correctly, then after its removal a woman can become pregnant within a year. In addition, many women have noted the positive psychological effect of using an intrauterine device.

Without fear of an unplanned pregnancy, a woman becomes more confident, relaxed and temperamental.

Unlike oral contraceptives, the IUD does not require any restrictions or daily monitoring. She also doesn’t feel like a man at all. Intrauterine device + silver not only protects against unwanted pregnancy, but also reduces the risk of inflammatory processes in the pelvis.

Side effects

Despite all the delights of the intrauterine device and its effectiveness, we should not forget that it is, first of all, medicinal remedy, and it has its side effects. Among them:

• the risk of introducing increases infections into the uterine cavity
• the amount of bleeding during menstruation is significant increases
• If the uterus is not installed correctly, a woman may experience pain lower abdomen
• non-hormonal the IUD does not protect against ectopic pregnancy
• After removal of the IUD, it is necessary to use a condom for the first 3-4 months, because there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy
• the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so it is not suitable for women who do not have a regular partner

Intrauterine device, reviews

• some women are afraid that if you put in a hormonal IUD, you will start get fat, your mood will deteriorate and your chest will hurt. In fact, some changes will be observed in the first 1-1.5 months while the body gets used to it. If they continue further, the spiral must be removed.
• after installation, the IUD is strengthened blood loss during menstruation. This must be kept in mind. If a woman already has a lot of them, she should opt for hormonal IUDs. On the contrary, they reduce blood flow.
• there are concerns that the IUD may fall out. Yes, this happens, so you need to go to the gynecologist for an examination a month after installation, and then be monitored every six months.
• women are afraid to install an IUD after childbirth. What if this somehow affects breastfeeding? In fact, if the IUD is not hormonal, then the IUD remains almost the only possible method of protection during lactation. It is much more dangerous to use oral contraceptives.

Pros and cons of using an intrauterine device

pros

• the intrauterine device is the most effective means of birth control
• the spiral does not interfere with the vaginal walls absorb contains hormones and enzymes contained in male sperm
• no need to take pills at the same time every day and worry if you don’t take them on time
• the spiral has long validity
• if it's a spiral non-hormonal, it does not cause physiological changes in a woman’s body
• a man does not feel discomfort during sexual intercourse, unlike a condom or ring
• installation of an intrauterine device will not require large financial investments
• when removing the IUD, a woman may get pregnant pretty fast

Minuses

• there are contraindications for inserting an IUD
• not suitable for nulliparous women
• does not protect against diseases sexually transmitted diseases, therefore not suitable for unmarried women and without a regular partner
• when wearing a spiral, there may be ectopic pregnancy
• are intensifying spotting during menstruation
• If installed incorrectly, the spiral may grow in into the uterus

Intrauterine device, price

If a woman is found myoma, her intrauterine device is usually removed. However, in this case, she may be given a hormone-containing IUD. It will reduce blood loss during menstruation, and fibroids will stop growing. If you leave the usual spiral, it can provoke the growth of a fibromatous node.

12-44% of cycles end in undiagnosed pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage for a period of 10-14 days. The woman herself may not know about this, she just has more intense periods, during which she loses the embryo.

If pregnancy does occur with a vaginal device installed, doctors will recommend have an abortion, because the helix affects the embryo's ability to implant. You can give birth to a premature baby.

If the worst happens, uterine perforation, the coil is surgically removed using strip surgery.

Like any medical device, intrauterine device has its drawbacks and inconveniences. But the main thing is that this method of contraception, with all its shortcomings, is still much better than surgical or medical abortion.

Having decided to protect yourself with an IUD, a woman should definitely consult a gynecologist and undergo an examination to determine whether she has any contraindications to the use of this method and which type of IUD will be optimal for her. If inflammatory or infectious diseases are detected, the IUD cannot be inserted until the patient is completely cured.

Do I need to prepare for this procedure?

Preliminary examination is a prerequisite for preparation. Usually it includes a survey and examination in a chair, a smear from the vagina (to determine the degree of purity), culture for infections, ultrasound (including, possibly, the mammary glands - plus a consultation with a mammologist), a detailed blood test with indicators of biochemistry and coagulation, if necessary - blood test for hormones. It is also necessary to make sure that there is no pregnancy.

Before the procedure, a day or two of sexual rest is necessary. There is also no need to douche, use medications or hygiene products. Just wash thoroughly.

How to install a spiral?

If the gynecologist gave the go-ahead based on the examination results, then the actual installation procedure will look like this:

You need to go to the gynecologist on the appointed day.

Typically, the IUD is placed during or immediately after your period (on the third to eighth day), when the cervix is ​​soft and slightly open. Installation is also possible before the start of menstruation. After childbirth, including cesarean section, the spiral is installed either immediately (if there are no infectious complications) or after five to six weeks. After an abortion, they also wait about six weeks if it was done in the second trimester or was septic. After an early abortion, you can get an IUD immediately.

The woman is placed on a gynecological chair.

The doctor conducts a routine examination using a mirror, then uses a special thin probe to measure the length of the uterine cavity, reaching its bottom. The cervix is ​​treated with an antiseptic and held with special forceps.

A sterile conductor is inserted to the measured depth, inside which the spiral itself is located.

Then the guide is removed, and the spiral remains in the uterine cavity. This is similar to inserting a sanitary tampon with an applicator. The process takes a few minutes and causes slight discomfort. Women note a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, sometimes mild pain.

Finally, the doctor cuts the thread (tendrils) a short distance from the entrance to the cervix.

The thread will protrude into the vaginal cavity by two to three centimeters and will not interfere with sexual intercourse.

A control ultrasound allows you to verify the correct position of the IUD.

It is done either on the day of installation or eight to ten days later.

The gynecologist explains to the patient how to control the presence and position of the spiral.

After this you can go home.

What to expect and how to behave immediately after having an IUD installed?

• After installation, for several days (up to ten) you may experience nagging, mild pain, discharge in the form of mucus, and may bleed. You can get rid of discomfort by taking antispasmodics (no-spa) and painkillers (NSAIDs such as paracetamol). Menstruation may temporarily become heavier and more painful.
• Sexual activity can be resumed after seven to ten days. During the first two weeks, physical activity (running, long walking, heavy lifting, sports) or visiting a bathhouse or sauna is not recommended.
• Normally, the spiral itself is not felt at all. If in any doubt, you should immediately see a gynecologist.

Effect on menstruation

Doctors say that after installing the IUD, your period should come without any problems or peculiarities. It is rare to observe a delay of several days followed by spotting. This is normal for a woman whose body has just suffered significant stress.

Due to the body's habituation after installation, the duration of menstrual flow usually increases, and more blood is released than usual, often with clots.

The woman may feel a slight increase in pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. There's no need to worry. Several cycles and everything should go according to the previously established regime. If the pain is very bothersome, you can take Ibuprofen, No-shpa or another pain reliever.

Important! After installing the IUD, use only pads; tampons should be excluded, because the likelihood of infection when using them increases several times.

FAQ

When should you come for an examination?

If no “emergency situations” arise, the first inspection is carried out after ten days, then after one, three and six months. In the future, a preventive examination twice a year is sufficient. You need to constantly monitor the position of the IUD yourself.

When can you have sex?

You will not get pregnant if you have sexual intercourse immediately after visiting a gynecologist to install an IUD. But our doctors strongly advise that the woman wait and observe sexual rest for at least a week.

During this period, natural adaptation of the foreign body will occur and the likelihood of complications will be minimized.

How to behave?

We already talked about sex earlier. You should also exclude strong physical activity in the gym, fitness, swimming pool and even yoga.

Try not to drink alcohol or eat foods that can cause bowel irritation for 7 days.

When should I remove the coil?

Removal of the IUD can be done on any day of the cycle, but it is most comfortable to do this during menstruation. It is strictly forbidden to do this yourself!

The doctor removes the spiral, carefully pulling the protruding tendrils (thread), shows it to the woman and prescribes a control ultrasound. Usually a bacteriological smear is taken from the vagina first.

The IUD is removed after the end of its service life (an average of five years), if a woman is planning a pregnancy, if the IUD unexpectedly shifts or complications occur.

The gynecologist removes the spiral without antennae using a special device. There should be no pain in this case.

Veronica asks:

What side effects and consequences can the intrauterine device cause?

Complications and side effects of the IUD

Complications when using an IUD are also quite rare; their development is most often associated with the following unfavorable factors::

• underestimation of contraindications (use of the IUD by women at risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, small or deformed uterine cavity, etc.);


• the woman’s failure to comply with the doctor’s recommendations;


• inexperience of the specialist installing the spiral;


• purchasing a low-quality spiral.

• infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;


• severe pain syndrome;


• spiral rejection;


• severe bleeding requiring drug therapy.

• complications related directly to the installation of the spiral;


• complications that arise during the use of the spiral;


• complications that appear after removal of the coil.

Complications that arise when installing an intrauterine device

Perforation of the uterus

Perforation of the uterus can be complete or partial. You can suspect a perforation of the uterus if characteristic symptoms occur: severe pain syndrome occurring against the background of symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding (drop in blood pressure, increase in heart rate, pallor of the skin).

In some cases, usually with incomplete perforation of the uterus, the pathology may manifest itself some time after the installation of the coil with severe, unremitting pain in the lower abdomen.

If uterine perforation is suspected, hysteroscopy or ultrasound is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis. In case of incomplete perforation, it is possible to remove the device through the vagina and use conservative therapy.

If there is a complete perforation of the uterine wall, the spiral is removed through abdominal access, and the uterine defect is sutured. In this case, the laparoscopic method is most often used (an optical fiber is inserted through a small hole in the abdominal wall with a video camera that transmits the image to the monitor screen, and the instruments with which the operation is performed).
In extremely severe cases, they resort to amputation of the uterus.

Cervical rupture

Treatment tactics depend on the depth of the rupture (surgical suturing or conservative therapy).

Bleeding that occurred during installation of the IUD

Vasovagal reaction

If a vasovagal reaction occurs, it is necessary to pause the insertion of the IUD and reassure the patient. When symptoms of fainting begin, a cold compress is placed on the forehead, the head end is lowered, and the legs are raised up, thus ensuring blood flow to the head.

When fainting, the patient's head is turned to one side to avoid aspiration of stomach contents into the respiratory tract in case of vomiting. In case of severe pain, analgesics (analgin or ibuprofen) are administered.

Vasovagal reaction does not require drug treatment, but further observation is necessary to exclude the presence of such serious complications as uterine perforation.

To prevent a vasovagal reaction, it is advisable for women at risk to undergo local (paracervical) anesthesia when installing the spiral.

Side effects and complications that may occur when using any type of IUD

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

As a rule, these complications arise when contraindications to the use of IUDs are underestimated, such as acute and subacute inflammatory processes in the female genital area at the time of installation of the device or an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases due to the presence of several sexual partners.

According to a large-scale study of women with PID that developed due to the use of an intrauterine device, it turned out that in 65% of cases the causative agent of the inflammatory process was sexually transmitted infections, and only in 30% of cases - nonspecific microflora.

PID is dangerous due to severe complications such as: chronic pelvic pain syndrome, ectopic pregnancy (occurs as a result of obstruction of the fallopian tubes), infertility. Therefore, if you suspect the development of infectious and inflammatory processes in the pelvis, you should urgently consult a doctor.

The most common signs of PID are:

• nagging pain in the lower abdomen, intensifying during or after menstruation;


• fever, nausea, vomiting (in acute process);


• dysuria (frequent urge to urinate, pain when urinating);


• purulent vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

The development of acute PID is an indication for removal of the IUD, which is carried out against the background of antibiotic therapy.

Expulsion

Young nulliparous women are most susceptible to this complication. With age, as well as with an increase in the number of pregnancies (including those that ended in abortion), the likelihood of expulsion decreases.

Most often, this complication develops in the first days or first three months after installation of the IUD. Often, especially in the first days and weeks after installation, expulsion is accompanied by intense cramping pain in the lower abdomen, which is practically not relieved by analgesics and antispasmodics.

In such cases, differential diagnosis is necessary with other complications, such as inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, ectopic pregnancy, interrupted physiological pregnancy.

If intense pain that cannot be relieved by analgesics and antispasmodics occurs in the first days after installation of the IUD, it may indicate an incorrect position of the IUD, a mismatch between the IUD and the size of the uterine cavity, or such a serious complication as uterine perforation.

To clarify the causes of pain, ultrasound or hysteroscopy is usually prescribed. In case of IUD expulsion, the woman is advised to choose another method of contraception.

However, the IUD can fall out relatively painlessly, so women using an IUD should regularly (after every period) check for the presence of the IUD tendrils at the cervix.

In cases where the antennae of the spiral cannot be felt, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. As a rule, an ultrasound is prescribed to determine the location of the spiral. If the study shows that there is no IUD in the uterus, you should either insert a new IUD or choose another method of contraception.

Sensation of whiskers during intercourse

Side effects that occur when using copper-containing IUDs

Prolonged and/or heavy bleeding

Prolonged and/or heavy bleeding when using copper-containing IUDs most often occurs in the first months after installation of the coil. As a rule, they do not require special therapy.

However, in case of severe and/or profuse bleeding, you should consult a doctor, since it may be a symptom of a pathology, for example, an ectopic pregnancy, uterine perforation, or a spontaneously terminated physiological pregnancy.

If more than three to six months have passed since the installation of the IUD, and bleeding continues to be prolonged and/or heavy, so that signs of iron deficiency anemia appear, then it is better to remove the IUD and choose another method of contraception.

If a woman wishes, the copper-containing IUD can be replaced with a hormonal system, then the gestagens entering the uterine cavity will help reduce menstrual blood loss.

Cramping pain in the lower abdomen

If the pain syndrome reaches a high intensity, you should consult a doctor to rule out pathologies such as ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous termination of a physiological pregnancy, IUD rejection, uterine perforation, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, etc.

However, clinical experience shows that in most cases, severe pain is an unpleasant side effect of a copper-containing IUD.

If the pain is very severe and/or continues to bother the woman three to four months after the installation of the IUD, then it is better to replace the copper-containing IUD with a hormonal system, or remove the IUD and choose another method of contraception.

Side effects that occur when using a hormonal IUD

Amenorrhea

A woman using a hormonal IUD should know that amenorrhea that develops while using the IUD is completely reversible and does not pose a threat to life or reproductive health.

However, immediately after the development of amenorrhea, you should consult a doctor to rule out pregnancy (including ectopic).

Spotting, acyclical menstrual cycle, prolonged and intense bleeding

Acyclicity of the menstrual cycle and the appearance of spotting between menstrual bleeding are quite common side effects of the hormonal IUD. If such symptoms are observed longer than 3 months after installation of the IUD, it is necessary to exclude gynecological pathology.

Prolonged and intense bleeding during the use of a hormonal IUD is extremely rare, since gestagens entering the uterine cavity help reduce the severity of menstrual bleeding.

In cases where heavy monthly bleeding leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia, it is necessary to remove the IUD and select another type of contraception.

Symptoms of systemic action of gestagens

• engorgement and tenderness of the mammary glands;

Archived version

Answers to important questions about the intrauterine device: how effectively does it protect against pregnancy, why is using the device dangerous, and in what cases should the device not be used?

Contents:

"Pros" and "Cons" of the spiral. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the intrauterine device as a method of contraception?

Due to its advantages, the intrauterine device occupies a special place among all other methods of contraception:

• The high effectiveness of the IUD in preventing unwanted pregnancy is comparable to the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills and reaches 99% or more.
• The IUD is much more reliable than birth control pills, since women taking birth control pills often forget to take the pill on time, which significantly reduces the reliability of this method. When using the IUD, absolutely no action is required on the part of the woman to maintain the contraceptive effect, and, therefore, any possibility of error or accident is eliminated.
• Compared to all other contraceptive methods, the intrauterine device is the cheapest contraceptive method. Despite the fact that the cost of one IUD is many times higher than the cost of one package of birth control pills or one regular package of condoms, recalculating its cost for 3-5 years (the usual period of wearing one IUD) shows its undeniable superiority in economic terms.
• Unlike birth control pills, metal or plastic IUDs, which do not contain hormones, have absolutely no overall “hormonal” effect on the body, which many women (in some cases justifiably) fear. For this reason, IUDs that do not contain hormones are recommended as the primary means of birth control for women over 35 years of age who are breastfeeding, actively smoking, or have other conditions that make the use of birth control pills impossible but require a very high level of protection against unwanted pregnancy. .
• IUDs containing hormones (for example, Mirena) reduce the risk of developing ectopic pregnancy and inflammation of the female reproductive system (see. ), and also significantly reduce blood loss during menstruation.
• The spiral is not felt at all during sexual intercourse and does not interfere with partners.

Despite the advantages described above, the use of intrauterine devices is currently quite limited, largely due to the disadvantages of this method:

• Installation and removal of the intrauterine device is carried out only by a gynecologist;
• As a rule, intrauterine devices are not installed in women who do not yet have children;
• After installation of an intrauterine device, a number of side effects may occur that may cause the woman some discomfort (see below);
• The intrauterine device does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections. cm.

How does the intrauterine device work?

Plastic or metal (copper, silver) coils have a detrimental effect on sperm and make them incapable of fertilization. The spiral also changes the properties of the uterine mucosa, making it unsuitable for the implantation of an embryo. (cm. )

The contraceptive effect of the intrauterine device remains constant (including on menstruation days) and can weaken only after the expiration date of the device. Modern spirals are designed to last for several years of use.

What types of intrauterine devices are there? Which spirals are better?

Modern intrauterine devices are small plastic or plastic-metal devices. Their dimensions reach approximately 3x4 cm. Typically, copper or silver is used to make spirals.

The appearance of most spirals resembles the shape of the letter “T”. The T-shaped shape of the spirals is the most physiological, as it corresponds to the shape of the uterine cavity.

Currently, spirals consisting of plastic, copper, silver with the addition of hormones are most often used:

• T Cu 380 A– T-shaped copper spiral. The contraceptive effect of this type of IUD is explained by the slow release of a small amount of copper, which suppresses sperm activity and has other effects that prevent the development of pregnancy. Spirals with copper can be used for a long time (up to 5-10 years).
• Multiload Cu 375 (Multiload) - IUDs of this type have a semi-oval shape with protrusions that help securely secure the IUD in the uterine cavity and reduce the risk of its loss, and therefore the reliability of the contraceptive effect.
• Nova – T (Nova-T), T de Plata 380 NOVAPLUS- These are T-shaped spirals consisting of plastic and copper (and silver) that do not contain hormones.
• T de Oro 375 Gold is a spiral containing a gold core made of 99/000 gold.
• Mirena- This is an intrauterine device with hormones. The IUD contains a container that continuously but very slowly releases levonorgestrel (a substance similar to the hormone released during pregnancy). The duration of use of such a spiral is 5 years.

There is no “best” spiral that would ideally suit all women. For each woman, the spiral is selected individually. That is, each woman has her own “best spiral.”

If you are faced with the need to choose a spiral:

• Discuss this issue with your gynecologist, whose opinion you trust. Ask what coils he works with and what coils he would recommend for you. The doctor’s experience is always more accurate than the descriptions that you can read on the packaging or in the instructions.
• You should not choose a spiral based only on price, since the most expensive spirals are not always the most reliable. In general, all the spirals described above are very effective. Therefore, there is no need to overpay.
• Pay attention to possible side effects from using different types of IUDs (see below) and be sure to tell your doctor, for example, if you are afraid of the “disappearance of your period” that may occur when using IUDs with hormones. On the contrary, if you have a tendency to have long and heavy periods, you should pay special attention to the possibility of using a hormonal IUD.

What side effects and consequences are possible after installing an intrauterine device?

Installation of an intrauterine device can lead to some complications, but not all women wearing the device develop complications. Modern research shows that more than 95% of women wearing IUDs consider them to be a very good and convenient method of contraception and are satisfied with their choice.

Possible complications:

During or immediately after installation (for all types of spirals):

• Perforation of the uterus (extremely rare);
• Development of endometritis (very rare);

During the entire period of use of the coil (for copper or plastic coils without hormones)

• Increased pain during menstruation;
• Increased volume of bleeding during menstruation;
• The appearance of spotting bloody discharge from the vagina after menstruation or in the period between menstruation.

During the entire period of use of the spiral (for hormonal spirals, for example, Mirena):

• Complete disappearance of menstruation several months after installation of the IUD;
• Bloody discharge between periods.

Read below about the impact of an IUD on a woman’s ability to conceive a child in the future.

See also paragraph below Changes in well-being and menstruation after installation of the IUD.

The use of an intrauterine device as the main method of contraception is not possible for all women. Like many other contraceptive methods, IUDs have their contraindications.

Installation of an intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective method of contraception, but also the most effective one that is used today in gynecological practice (except for tubal ligation - sterilization). When an IUD is inserted, the integrity of the mucous membranes of the cervical canal is disrupted, which causes bleeding. How long should they normally go?discharge after installing the coiland what character they should be, we’ll talk now.

General information

As a rule, the installation of an IUD occurs on the 3-4th day of the cycle, when a woman is still menstruating. This is due to the fact that during this period the cervical canal, where the spiral is actually inserted, has a reduced tone and is slightly expanded, which ensures the normal removal of menstrual blood from the uterine cavity. And when the cervix is ​​expanded, the procedure for installing the IUD becomes easier and less painful for the patient.

And given that during this procedure the woman has her period, it is quite natural that she will experience pink or bloodydischarge for some time after the insertion of the IUD. However, at this moment they can change their character and here it is important to understand when this happens for physiological reasons and when for pathological ones, since after installing the spiral, some health problems may also appear that require medical intervention.

Before installation

To reduce the risk of complications after installing an IUD, before undergoing this procedure, a woman must undergo an examination, which includes:

• Instrumental examination by a gynecologist.
• Vaginal smear for bacterial culture.
• Intravaginal ultrasound examination of the uterus, cervical canal and ovaries.
• Blood chemistry.
• General blood and urine analysis.

If during the examination the patient was diagnosed with any inflammatory or infectious diseases of the reproductive organs, then treatment is first carried out, and only then the IUD is installed. If you insert an IUD into an inflamed or infected cervix, this will lead to the progression of the disease and the emergence of serious health problems for the woman.

After installation

If a woman has no contraindications to installing an IUD, the doctor will set a date for the procedure, taking into account the patient’s menstrual cycle. The insertion of the IUD itself is carried out in the gynecologist’s office without the use of any painkillers. This procedure takes 5-10 minutes, after which the patient is sent home.

In cases where a woman observes that she has a strongbleeding after installing the IUDwithin a few hours, then she shouldn’t worry about it. This phenomenon is natural and is caused by several factors:

• At this moment, menstruation is still in progress.
• During this gynecological procedure, a mechanical effect is applied to the cervix, which causes increased uterine bleeding.

However, in this case, copious bleeding from the vagina should not be observed for more than a day. If a woman continues to bleed for several days or a week, this is no longer normal and requires an immediate visit to the doctor.

As a rule, already on the second day after the womanI put in an IUD and she has brown discharge(daub), which indicates successful restoration of the cervical canal. However, they should only be observed for a certain period of time.

Duration

It is impossible to say exactly how much a woman can smear after installing an IUD, since each body is individual. For some, the spotting goes away already on the 3-5th day after the procedure, while for others it lasts for about a week.

Important! Despite the fact that each body is individual and it needs its own time to recover, if the discharge after the installation of the IUD lasts for a long time (more than a week), this is already a serious reason to consult a doctor, since prolonged discharge is a sign of the development of complications.

And in order to understand whether health problems have arisen after the procedure, you should pay attention not only to the type of discharge, but also to your general well-being. If the uterus continues to bleed and this is accompanied by symptoms such as nagging abdominal pain, unpleasant odor, fever, weakness, etc., then this is not normal. Normally, minor abdominal pain can be observed only the first day after installation of the Mirena, which is caused by a mechanical effect on the cervix, but no more.

If the pain does not go away, there is a profuse rash and at least one symptom appears, characteristic of the development of complications, you cannot hesitate. You need to go to the doctor immediately.

Possible complications

Installation of an intrauterine device causes damage to the mucous membranes of the cervical canal, which can lead to various complications. Among them, the most common is cervicitis, characterized by inflammation of the cervix. The main symptoms of this disease are the following conditions:

• Nagging pain in the abdomen.
• The smudge is dark brown in color and can last for more than a month.

Treatment of cervicitis should be carried out immediately, as it can cause the development of a bacterial infection, which can lead to an abscess and sepsis. And to get rid of this disease, it is not at all necessary to drink handfuls of various drugs. As a rule, in this case, the use of vaginal suppositories with anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects is prescribed.

Another complication after IUD installation is endometritis, in which inflammation is localized in the uterus. With the simultaneous development of cervicitis and endometritis, which happens very often, the symptoms become more pronounced - abdominal pain intensifies, brown discharge becomes abundant and can acquire a mucous consistency, and sometimes purulent character. Treatment in this case also involves the use of vaginal suppositories.

Important! If drug treatment for cervicitis and endometritis does not produce positive results within 7-10 days, the IUD must be removed. It can be re-inserted only after the inflammatory processes have resolved and the mucous membranes of the uterus and cervical canal have been completely restored.

If, 3-5 days after the procedure, a woman experiences yellow or green discharge that has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by a burning sensation in the vagina, this indicates the development of infectious diseases, the causative agents of which may be:

• Chlamydia.
• Staphylococci.
• Gardnerellas, etc.

The development of infectious diseases after installation of an IUD can occur as a result of:

• Violations of sanitary standards by doctors during insertion of a spiral into the cervical canal.
• Premature entry by a woman into unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Insufficient hygiene.

Regardless of the cause of the infection, treatment involves the use of antibacterial drugs. Moreover, if a woman had sexual intercourse during this period, the sexual partner should also undergo treatment.

Sometimes women experience bleeding after inserting an IUD. The reason for this may be:

• Severe damage to the cervical canal.
• Abrupt refusal of oral contraceptives.
• The presence of polyps in the cervix that were also damaged by the coil (as a rule, if a polyp is detected, the coil is not placed, but if they were not noticed by the doctor, this can lead to severe bleeding).
• Uterine fibroids.

Uterine bleeding is very dangerous for a woman’s life and must be stopped as quickly as possible. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Copious bleeding from the vagina, requiring replacement of sanitary pads every 1.5-2 hours.
• Dizziness.
• Pallor of the skin.
• Weakening of the pulse.
• Reduced blood pressure.

Important! When uterine bleeding occurs, the woman must be urgently hospitalized. Treatment in this case is carried out using intravenous administration of special hemostatic drugs and glucose solution.

In cases where a woman, after installing the IUD, notices that a bloody clot periodically comes out of her vagina, she also needs to visit a doctor as soon as possible. The point is that during normal recovery of the body after the procedure, the discharge should have a uniform consistency and any inclusions in it indicate the development of complications. In this case, the appearance of bloody clots may indicate the development of endometriosis, which is characterized by abnormal growth of the endometrium of the uterus beyond its limits. Its development after the installation of an IUD occurs as a result of a failure of regeneration processes in the body, in which endometrial cells begin to actively divide.

When endometriosis develops, drug treatment is ineffective, and therefore, when it occurs, surgical interventions are often performed, before which preliminary removal of the IUD is required.

It should be understood that after installing the IUD, there should be no prolonged discharge and third-party symptoms should appear - pain, fever, weakness, etc. Normally, their duration should not exceed 10 days. If after this period the discharge does not go away, you should definitely visit a doctor. Since only timely treatment of complications that have arisen will avoid serious consequences in the future.