Cramping and pain relief

After your non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) fitting, it’s completely normal to experience mild abdominal cramping in the first few days following insertion as your body adjusts to the presence of the device. You can take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if these are suitable for you. If the pain becomes difficult to tolerate or persists beyond the first few days, please contact your GP for further assessment.

Preventing infection

There is a slightly elevated risk of infection in the first few weeks after your IUD is fitted. This is because the process of inserting the device involves passing through the cervix into the uterus, which can introduce bacteria from the vaginal canal into the upper reproductive tract. While this risk is considered low, it’s important to monitor your body for signs of possible infection during this initial adjustment period. Please seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
• A fever or raised temperature
• Unusual and/or heavy vaginal discharge

If you’re concerned, contact your GP or call NHS 111 if your practice is closed. Prompt treatment will be able to resolve most infections quickly and prevent further complications that may result in the removal of your device.

Using tampons or menstrual cups

We advise avoiding internal menstrual products, such as tampons and menstrual cups, for the first four weeks after your IUD insertion in order to reduce risks of infection. After that, it’s safe to use them, but take extra care during light bleeding days.

On rare occasions, the device threads may become tangled with a tampon or an IUD may dislodge if the suction from a menstrual cup is not broken properly before removal. If this happens, please avoid using any further internal products and contact your GP as soon as possible to check the position of your IUD. In most cases, a quick examination or ultrasound can confirm whether the device is still in place and functioning correctly.

Changes in bleeding patterns

The copper IUD does not contain hormones, so your natural menstrual cycle will continue as normal after insertion. For some people, menstrual periods may become heavier, longer or more uncomfortable in the months following insertion. This is usually temporary and will settle without treatment over time. However, if bleeding becomes very heavy or difficult to manage for a prolonged period of time, please speak with your GP about possible treatment options.

Pregnancy and protection

The copper IUD begins working immediately after insertion. It is one of the most effective forms of contraception available. However, if your period is late or you experience unexpected symptoms of potential pregnancy, take a test and contact your GP or local sexual health service for advice.

Thread checks

We recommend checking the IUD threads 4–6 weeks after your fitting appointment. These are thin threads that sit high in the vaginal canal and allow both you and your clinician to confirm that the device is still correctly in place. For more detailed instructions on how to check the IUD threads, please refer to our FAQ section.

If you’re comfortable with doing so, you may wish to check the threads each month. If you cannot feel them – or if you feel something firm, like a matchstick, near the cervix – please contact your GP for further assessment. If you are unable to check the threads yourself or would prefer not to do so, please make an appointment at your GP practice so a practice nurse can check them for you.