IUD Aftercare Information

You may have some light bleeding from your vagina over the next few days, this is normal.

• With Hormonal IUDs (Mirena and Kyleena), you may have irregular bleeding for some weeks or even months, but this should gradually improve as time goes on. Your doctor or nurse should have discussed this with you before insertion.
• With Copper IUDs, you should have a period that comes when you are expecting it, but your period could be heavier, longer, or more painful than normal.

You may feel some cramping or dizziness after your insertion. These symptoms usually go away after a few hours, but please contact us if you are concerned. You may have some cramping pain over the next 2-3 days. You should be able to manage this with hot packs or simple painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you are experiencing severe pain, feeling unwell, having very heavy bleeding, or noticing unusual discharge, please book an appointment with a doctor at SHQ, a local GP or visit an Emergency Department.

1. Don’t put anything into your vagina for the next 48 hours – this includes tampons, dildos, or fingers. Do not have sex for the next 48 hours, or swim or take a bath (showers are fine). This reduces the risk of infection.
2. We encourage you to check the strings after each period or about once a month. This can be done by putting your index or middle finger into your vagina. Try doing this lying down, in the squatting position or with one foot resting on the toilet whilst standing. You should be able to feel the two fine threads.

If you can feel the hard plastic stem of the IUD, cannot feel the string, or the string feels longer than usual, use condoms until a doctor has confirmed the IUD is in the correct position. Do not pull on the threads as you could accidentally pull the IUD out.

Hormonal IUDs

• Mirena and Kyleena can take up to 7 days to work as a contraceptive. You may need additional contraception to avoid pregnancy during this time.
• Kyleena can be used for contraception up to 5 years and Mirena for up to 8 years.
• Mirena can be used as part of menopausal hormonal therapy for up to 5 years.
• Mirena can help control heavy menstrual bleeding for as long as symptoms are managed, usually 5 to 8 years.

Non- hormonal IUDs

• Copper IUDs are immediately effective.
• Copper IUDs can be used for 5-10 years, depending on the type of device inserted. If you are unsure about the duration of use, please check with your clinician.

Menstrual cups can pull out an IUD if the string is caught between the edge of the cup and vagina. We do not recommend using them until the IUD has been in place for at least 3 months. Be careful when removing the cup so that the suction does not pull on the IUD.

If you have had a Mirena or Kyleena fitted, you may experience some hormonal side effects. These can vary between individuals and may include pimples, breast tenderness, or headaches during the first few months after insertion—this is normal. Occasionally, some people may notice increased appetite or mood changes. These symptoms typically improve within a few months, but if they are concerning, please discuss them with a doctor at SHQ or your GP.

Please book in for a check-up appointment 4-6 weeks after your insertion to make sure there are no problems with the IUD. This appointment can be face to face or via Telehealth. Medicare card holders will be bulk billed for this appointment and non-Medicare card holders will only pay the Medicare rebate amount.

At any point, if you have a problem with your IUD, please contact our Sexual Health Helpline or speak with your local GP.

Your IUD can be removed at any time, however if you are not planning to become pregnant, it is very important that you do not have sex for 7 days before having it removed.