Hormone-Releasing IUD Insertion

A hormone-releasing IUD contains a hormone that prevents pregnancy by:

• Thickening the normal mucus in the cervical canal (opening of the womb) so that the sperm cannot enter the uterus to fertilise the egg
• Controlling the monthly development of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) so that the lining is not thick enough for you to become pregnant
• Inhibiting the normal sperm movement inside the uterus and the tubes preventing fertilisation

All medicines can have side effects and some patients may experience them while using a hormone-releasing IUD. You should expect a change in your menstrual patterns and this is the most commonly reported side effect. The changes may initially include spotting, shorter or longer menstrual periods, irregular bleeding, heavy periods, menstrual pain, oligomenorrhea (infrequent or lighter periods) and amenorrhoea (no periods)

Some other side effects include:

• Headache
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Vulvovaginitis
• Genital discharge

The Consumer Medicine Information leaflet from inside the packaging of your device contains more information on possible side effects but always speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well.

You can feel the insertion but it should not cause too much or excessive pain. Most women find that fitting causes only a little discomfort. Women who have delivered a baby only via caesarean section or those who have not yet had children may find it more uncomfortable and may wish to discuss options for pain relief before the procedure.

Afterwards, you might feel some cramping, a little like period pain, and occasionally some dizziness may also occur. These symptoms usually disappear after a few hours, but if they persist, or you are worried, please contact your doctor or their practice nurse.