Non-hormonal/copper IUD

When it comes to using an IUD, all the effort is up front, when you get it. Once it’s in, you don’t have to do anything, it just works. All you have to remember is to get it replaced in 12 years (or sooner, if you like).

If you want to get an IUD, the first thing you’ll need to do is talk with your health care provider. They will ask you some questions about your medical history and your life, and then they’ll give you an exam to make sure the IUD is right for you.

You can get the IUD inserted at any time during your menstrual cycle as long as you can be sure you’re not pregnant. You can also have it placed right after having a baby or right after having an abortion. Some providers will suggest that you schedule your IUD insertion to happen while you have your period. It may be the most comfortable to get it done then because your cervix (which is essentially the doorway between your vagina and your uterus) is slightly open during that time.

Many people experience cramping—which can be intense—when they have their IUD inserted. The cramping can continue after the insertion as well. Talk to your provider about your options for pain relief during and after your IUD insertion. Many providers recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications before insertion, and some providers may be willing to use numbing medication on your cervix, but it’s not a routine part of IUD insertion. If numbing medication is something you’re interested in, talk to your provider beforehand.

Dizziness during and after IUD insertion is common, too. If you’ve ever fainted during a medical procedure or while having blood drawn before, make sure to let your provider know before your IUD insertion. They can talk you through simple exercises to help prevent this from happening during your IUD insertion.

Once your IUD is in place, you may notice thin, plastic strings that hang down into your vagina. (They won’t hang out of your vagina like a tampon string though.) If the strings inside your vagina bother you or your partner, your provider can trim them. These strings will come in handy later, when it’s time for your provider to remove the IUD.

After your IUD is in, you’re pretty much good to go. Your provider should offer to check on your IUD once in the first few months after inserting it to make sure it’s in place. After that you can check the string ends from time to time if you want to, to make sure the IUD is in place. Just don’t tug on them. That could move your IUD out of place. It’s safe to use both tampons and menstrual cups while you have an IUD.

Here’s how to check your IUD strings:

1. Wash your hands, then sit down on the edge of the toilet or tub (or you can squat).
2. Put your finger in your vagina until you feel your cervix, which will be firm and rubbery, like the tip of your nose.
3. Feel for the strings. If you find them, congrats! Your IUD is good to go.

If you can’t find the strings after having found them before, or if you notice a change in the length of the strings, contact your provider. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem—sometimes the strings curl up around your cervix and become hard to find, but it’s best to check in with your provider. If you ever feel the hard part of the IUD sticking out of your cervix, you may need to have it adjusted or replaced by your provider. If this happens, make sure to use a backup method of birth control until you can get checked out since the IUD needs to be correctly placed inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy.

When it’s time for your IUD to be replaced (or if you want to have it removed before that time), a provider will remove it for you. Some people instead choose to remove their own IUDs at home.