More Information About Your IUD Insertion
It is important that you follow these instructions before your hormonal IUD insertion
For at least 3 weeks before your insertion, follow one of the contraception options below as discussed with your doctor.
– Continue to use hormonal contraception (e.g. pills or implant) until the day of your insertion – it is very
important that you tell us if you have missed any pills during your cycle
– Continue with your current IUD
– Do not have sexual intercourse for 3 weeks before your insertion
– Follow the other instructions provided by your clinician
If there is a chance you are pregnant, the IUD insertion will not go ahead
The day before your insertion:
Make sure you have collected your hormonal IUD prescription from your local pharmacy and have
arranged for someone to care for your children during your insertion
Be prepared to stay at the clinic for 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours for your insertion and make plans to take it easy for
the rest of the day after your procedure
– You will need to stay at the clinic for about 15-20 minutes to recover after your insertion
If possible, arrange for someone else to drive you home after the procedure
Make sure you have a sanitary pad to bring with you to the appointment – tampons are not OK
On the day of your insertion:
Shower on the day of the insertion
If you have regular medications, make sure you take them as usual on the day of the insertion
Make sure you have had something to eat and drink before your insertion
– This will help to stop you feeling light-headed or faint during and immediately after the procedure
Bring your hormonal IUD and a sanitary pad with you to the insertion appointment
One hour before your insertion:
Take some paracetamol or ibuprofen
– This helps if you have any cramping pain during the insertion
If you have any questions about preparing for your IUD insertion:
Call Woodville South GP on 8166 0880 and ask to speak to the nurse or Dr Cathy Tang
Remember:
Local anaesthetic options are available during your IUD insertion – ask your clinician about this.
Sometimes there are unexpected reasons which make it unsafe or difficult to insert an IUD on the day –
the final decision to go ahead with the insertion is up to the doctor or nurse at the clinic on the day of your
insertion appointment.
Post-insertion Information
Nothing is to be inserted into the vagina for 48 hours after IUD insertion. This includes no
penetrative intercourse, no vibrators/dildos, no tampons (use sanitary pads instead), no baths (have
a shower instead), and no swimming or spa baths.
Your device will provide effective contraception after 7 days or immediately depending on the timing of insertion.
Mild cramps and some bleeding similar to a period may be experienced for up to a week after the
IUD insertion. This should respond to rest, Paracetamol and/or anti-inflammatories (such as
Nurofen, Ponstan or Naprogesic) and local heat (hot water bottle).
In the first few months after insertion there is a higher risk of expulsion of the device. So if you can,
feel for the strings 2-7 days after insertion, and then every month (or after every period, if you are
still having them). They can be felt on the cervix, at the top of the vagina. Very rarely, the device can
perforate the uterus and migrate into the abdominal cavity. If you think the strings have
lengthened, or can’t be felt, or that you can feel the hard stem of the device, please see your GP as
soon as possible and abstain from intercourse until you have had the device checked. If you have
had unprotected sex in the last 5 days you should take emergency contraception.
If you use menstrual cups, it is important to take care when removing the cup to ensure that you do
not pull on the IUD string. Make sure that the string is inside of the cup and not caught between the
wall of the cup and the vagina. Ensure that you release the suction of the cup prior to removal.
In the first 3 weeks after insertion there is an increased risk of pelvic infection. Please see a GP if you
experience:
– Fever
– Abdominal pain
– Back pain
– Pain with intercourse
– Vaginal discharge
– Offensive odour
Microwave/short wave physiotherapy to your abdomen or lower back is to be avoided if there is a
copper IUD in situ. MRI scanning up to 3 Tesla strength is generally considered compatible with use
of a copper IUD.
There may be increased vaginal mucus discharge in the first few weeks. Irregular bleeding is very
common following insertion of the Mirena and may take 4-6 months to settle. With the
Mirena/Kyleen IUD your bleeding may continue to lighten over 6-12 months. With the copper IUD
you may experience slightly heavier or more painful periods which may settle after 3 months.
Please make an appointment for follow up in 6 weeks after your IUD insertion.
Please contact the clinic if you have any concerns prior to your 6 week check-up about the following:
– Unusual menstrual bleeding or heavy bleeding between periods
– Pelvic pain or pain with sex
– Offensive or unusual discharge
– Fever, aching or feeling generally unwell without obvious cause
– Unable to feel threads
– Symptoms of pregnancy or a positive pregnancy test
– A late or light period with copper IUD use