After insertion of hormone intrauterine system (IUS)
In the first few days you may experience some abdominal cramps. You can take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help (if these are safe for you to use. If the pain gets a lot worse and you are worried you should contact your GP.
During the first few weeks after insertion there is a slightly higher risk of infection. The signs to watch for are:
· Persistent pain
· A temperature
· Heavy discharge
If you are worried you should contact your GP or 111 if your practice is closed.
Tampons and menstrual cups
We usually recommend that you don’t use tampons and menstrual cups in the first 4 weeks after a hormone IUS insertion because of the risk of infection. After that, it is fine to use tampons and menstrual cups but take care on the days of light bleeding as very occasionally the tampon can become entangled in the threads and dislodge the device or the IUS can be accidently pulled out if the suction on the menstrual cup is not broken first.
Bleeding patterns
You will probably experience irregular bleeding or spotting for several months. This will almost always settle and, in time, your periods will become very light and may even stop.
Pregnancy
You should avoid sex or use condoms or other contraception for 7 days after having a hormone IUS fitted. The risk of pregnancy with a hormone IUS is extremely small but, if concerned, you should do a pregnancy test and seek advice.
Thread checks
Please check for the threads 4-6 weeks after the hormone IUS has been inserted. If you do not want to or cannot do this, please contact your GP surgery.
If possible you should feel for the hormone IUS threads high in the vagina each month. If you cannot feel the threads or you can feel something hard (similar to the end of a matchstick) in the cervix (neck of the womb) when you are checking the threads, you should contact your GP surgery who will be able to help.
