IUDs are increasingly used as a contraceptive method to avoid unwanted pregnancy due to their advantages over other methods such as oral contraceptives.
However, the placement of this device can cause rejection in some women. Despite not being a frequent alteration, in the cases where it happens, it can generate some symptoms that must be recognized by the woman who has the IUD. Next, in this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn the signs of IUD rejection and what to do if this situation occurs.
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What is an Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The IUD is an intrauterine device shaped like a “T” and is made of plastic material. This is flexible and small so that it can be inserted into the uterine cavity. Its function is to prevent pregnancy from occurring, and it is considered a safe and effective contraceptive method.
A specialist in gynecology must perform the placement of this device. The IUD can last in the uterus for 3, 5, or 10 years (depending on the type of device) or as long as the woman prefers. A specialist doctor can remove the IUD with minimal discomfort.
In general, any woman can have an IUD inserted. Especially:
- Women have a normal uterus.
- Women are at low risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Women who have never been pregnant or who have never given birth.
The IUD has strings used to verify its presence inside the uterine cavity. Failure to view them may indicate that it has been moved or ejected.
If you have doubts about its placement, you can consult our article How to know if the IUD is correctly inserted.
Symptoms of rejection of the Mirena IUD (hormonal IUD)
This intrauterine device is a hormonal type and is used for contraception. Its effect can last up to 5 years. The use of this device can reveal some side effects that can trigger symptoms of rejection of the Mirena IUD, such as:
- Acne.
- Headache.
- Humor changes.
- Tenderness in the mammary region.
- Irregular bleeding that can be modified after six months of use.
These side effects can trigger the possibility of rejection of the Mirena IUD.
The use of the Mirena IUD is safe. At the same time, it is good that you bear in mind the risks that you run with its use:
- This device does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- With the placement of the Mirena IUD, it is infrequent to see it cause the uterus to perforate. This risk may exist when the device is inserted during the postpartum stage.
- If you get pregnant using this device, you have a higher risk of suffering an ectopic pregnancy (the pregnancy is implanted outside the uterine cavity, specifically in the fallopian tubes). Despite this, the use of the Mirena IUD can prevent pregnancy. Therefore, women who use this device have a lower risk of having an ectopic pregnancy than others who do not use any contraceptive method during their active sexual life.
Copper IUD rejection symptoms
This IUD is not hormonal, and it is a compelling long-term contraceptive method. However, it can generate a series of symptoms if there are signs of rejection of the copper IUD, among which are:
- Heavy bleeding in the middle of periods or after sexual intercourse.
- Pain during intercourse for both you and your partner. This may be the warning that the IUD has moved.
- The absence of the threads, and even that they are much longer or shorter than usual.
- You can get to palpate the device at the level of the vagina or cervix.
Generally, these rejection symptoms indicate that you should go to your doctor to verify its presence. If necessary, they can be withdrawn.
The copper IUD tends to generate a series of side effects associated with the device itself, such as:
- Pain during menstruation of solid intensity, accompanied by heavy bleeding.
- Presence of breakthrough bleeding.
- Cramps
These side effects could lead to the expulsion of the intrauterine device.
Symptoms of a misplaced IUD
Misplacement of the IUD can lead to some symptoms of a misplaced IUD, such as:
- Discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
- Feel that the IUD strings are longer or shorter than they were.
- Severe intensity abdominal pain.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, which has nothing to do with menstruation.
- Changes in the appearance, smell, and color of vaginal discharge.
- If it becomes embedded in the uterine wall, infectious pictures may arise.
The intrauterine device’s chances of moving out of place during menstruation increase. If this is your case, see your doctor immediately and refrain from having sex or using a condom during this time. With this, you will avoid the risk of getting pregnant.
Also, you must bear in mind that the IUD cannot be moved during sexual intercourse. This is because the penis does not reach where the device is located. On some occasions, the man may notice the presence of the threads, but it does not mean that it has moved.
Women who resort to this method should go for a medical check-up with their gynecologist at 3 and 6 months from its placement. This is how to verify that the IUD is in the place where it was placed.
Contraindications of an IUD
A large number of women can use intrauterine devices. However, there are certain circumstances where their use is contraindicated:
Absolute contraindications
- Anatomical disorders that affect the uterine cavity.
- Vaginal bleeding with no apparent cause.
- Pregnancy.
- Postpartum or post-abortion endometritis.
- Presence of intrauterine adhesions.
- Cervical or endometrial cancer.
- Breast cancer
Relative contraindications
These contraindications may be temporary, and therefore, once they are resolved, the device can be placed.
Delivery: after delivery, the uterus must return to its natural size, so placing the device after six weeks is recommended to avoid rejection.
Recent abortion: if you have had a voluntary abortion, the IUD can be inserted right then and there; On the other hand, if about four months have already elapsed, the placement of this device can generate rejection.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: In this case, medical treatment must be applied to reverse the infectious process. Once the infection has healed, the intrauterine device can be placed.
Ideally, you should feel comfortable with the contraceptive method you choose. If you have the IUD inserted and you have rejection symptoms, go to your trusted gynecologist, who will tell you if the symptoms correspond to the non-acceptance of the device and, subsequently, will guide you in solving the problem.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Symptoms of IUD rejection, we recommend that you enter our category of the Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.