Things to note after placing an IUD

Insertion of an IUD is a common contraceptive method. It is easy to use, safe and effective, and generally does not affect the sexual life of couples. It is the most common contraceptive method for women of childbearing age in my country. You must be aware of some precautions after placing the IUD. When you just have it placed, you must make sure to get enough rest to prevent infection and other problems. Let's take a look at the precautions after placing the IUD.

1. Take adequate rest

After the ring is just placed, the cervix is ​​relatively loose and the ring is easy to fall off, so you should rest for two days after the ring is placed. You should not do heavy physical labor or participate in high-intensity activities within a week. When urinating or defecating, try to avoid holding your breath too hard to prevent a sudden increase in abdominal pressure from causing the ring to fall off.

2. Maintain hygiene

IUD insertion is a surgical procedure. In order to avoid infection, the vulva should be kept clean after the operation, and the lower body should be washed with warm water and underwear should be changed every night. Sexual intercourse (this requires the active cooperation of the man) and sitting baths (but showers or sponge baths are allowed) are prohibited within two weeks to maintain vaginal hygiene and prevent cross infection.

3. Pay attention to observation

Within a few days after the placement of the IUD (mainly the first three days), there may be a small amount of vaginal bleeding, mild lower abdominal discomfort (such as back pain and a feeling of heaviness), and increased vaginal discharge (this is caused by surgical trauma or mechanical compression of the IUD or rupture of small blood vessels in the endometrium). These symptoms usually disappear on their own and do not require any treatment. If the bleeding is heavy or lasts for more than a week, especially if abdominal pain, fever, etc. occur, you should see a doctor immediately.

4. Prevent falling off

During the first three months after the placement of the IUD, especially for some women with loose cervix and heavy menstrual flow, the IUD may fall off along with the menstrual blood. Therefore, these women should pay special attention to whether the ring falls out with menstrual blood when going to the toilet during menstruation. Once it happens, you should go to the hospital in time to replace it, and pay attention to replacing it with a suitable size to avoid it falling off again.

5. Regular follow-up

The follow-up time is usually in the first month after the IUD is placed, when you go to the hospital for a check-up after your menstruation stops; then have a check-up every 3 months (or half a year) and one year; and then have a check-up every year (those who have an IUD should go to the hospital or designated place in the community for a "ring check-up" on time).

6. Be careful of hidden pregnancy

IUDs are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and a very small number of women may become pregnant with the IUD. Therefore, if amenorrhea occurs during the period of wearing an IUD, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and picky eating, you should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible and take remedial measures.