---
title: What To Expect After You Get An IUD
date: 2022-10-17T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-to-expect-after-you-get-an-iud"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# What To Expect After You Get An IUD

This handout from the University of Washington gives guidance on aftercare for people who have just had an IUD placed. While the handout specifically mentions the Mirena (hormonal) IUD and the Paragard (copper) IUD, parts of it are applicable to other IUDs as well. The handout covers what to expect when you get home, how to relieve discomfort, effectiveness of the IUD, STI prevention, and warning signs for when you might need followup care. Since each of us has a unique personal and medical history, it’s important to consult your own health care provider about your particular situation and any concerns you may have.

> Irregular bleeding and spotting is normal for the first few months after the IUD is placed. In some cases, women may experience irregular bleeding or spotting for up to six months after the IUD is placed. This bleeding can be annoying at first but usually will become lighter with the Mirena IUD quickly.

[View the handout ](https://www.uwmedicine.org/sites/stevie/files/2018-11/IUD-Aftercare-Instructions.pdf)

SOURCE: University of Washington • LAST UPDATED: August 1, 2019

![46193284021_0b7885c7c0_c](data:image/png;base64,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) Robin Marty/Flickr [CC-BY-2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access)
- [IUD (intra-uterine device)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/iud-intra-uterine-device)
- [long acting reversible contraception (LARC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
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- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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## Avoiding Coercion in the Promotion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

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This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/avoiding-coercive-promotion-of-long-acting-reversible-contraceptives-larcs)

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## Extreme Pain from an IUD

SD discusses her experience with severe pain after insertion of a copper IUD.

![SD](data:image/png;base64,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)

SD discusses her experience with severe pain after insertion of a copper IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/extreme-iud-pain)

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## Being Invalidated by Doctors

SD discusses her struggle with doctors who refused to recognize her menstrual pain while using an IUD.

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SD discusses her struggle with doctors who refused to recognize her menstrual pain while using an IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-being-invalidated-by-doctors)

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## Living with PCOS

Ash discusses her personal journey with PCOS (now renamed PMOS), from experiencing symptoms to getting a diagnosis and the range of feelings that followed.

![A notebook on a white table with the words "PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" written on it](data:image/png;base64,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)

Ash discusses her personal journey with PCOS (now renamed PMOS), from experiencing symptoms to getting a diagnosis and the range of feelings that followed.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-pcos)

[ResourcesRead

## Using Birth Control as a Trans or Nonbinary Person

Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator and sex/love coach, offers facts and advice for trans and nonbinary people about using birth control.

![A blue table with a stack on birth control items including internal and external condoms, the implant, a copper IUD, the ring, a vial for injection, and different pills](data:image/png;base64,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)

Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator and sex/love coach, offers facts and advice for trans and nonbinary people about using birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/using-birth-control-as-a-trans-or-nonbinary-person)

[ResourcesRead

## What to Know About Birth Control If You're Transmasculine

Being on testosterone doesn’t prevent pregnancy. This article offers guidance around birth control for trans men, transmasculine people, and nonbinary people.

![A yellow background with two copper IUDs](data:image/png;base64,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)

Being on testosterone doesn’t prevent pregnancy. This article offers guidance around birth control for trans men, transmasculine people, and nonbinary people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-to-know-about-birth-control-if-youre-transmasculine)