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| Bleeding after Mirena and then ParaGard IUD insertion. Can it last 6 weeks? #1116/6 |
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Last year I had an IUD inserted and bled for about 2 months afterwards until I finally had it removed. I just had a new one inserted 2 1/2 weeks ago and so far it looks like the same thing is happening. It's like dark/black blood. Sometimes there's a tiny bit, sometimes more. My doctor says that you can bleed from 6 weeks to a few months after insertion, but I haven't read that ANYWHERE.
Thanks!
Yes, spotting or bleeding can last for several weeks to several months after IUD insertion.
I have several questions for you.
- What type of IUD was your first IUD? Mirena?
- What type of IUD do you have now? Copper T (ParaGard)
- Are you experiencing cramping or pain?
- Have you kept in touch with your doctor?
Answer the above questions and give me any additional information you think I may need and I will then try to answer as best I can.
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WHAT IS THE LEVONORGESTREL IUD (Mirena)?
An IUD is a small device which is placed inside the uterus. The vertical arm of this IUD contains levonorgestrel. This hormone is a progestin much like the progesterone a woman's ovaries produce each monthly cycle. Each week the levonorgestrel IUD gives off about the same amount of levonorgestrel as a woman gets when she takes one or two of the mini-pills called Ovrette. The levonorgestrel causes the cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg. Among typical couples who use this IUD, one in 1,000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year.
Mirena is as effective in preventing pregnancy as tubal sterilization and lasts at least for five years. This method has been available for 10 years in Europe and has been used by approximately 2 million women worldwide. In Europe 10-25% of women use an IUD compared to 1% in the United States. Mirena is part of the reason for the popularity of the IUD in Europe.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- It is the most effective reversible method ever developed!
- It prevents ectopic pregnancies; it decreases menstrual cramping and dramatically decreases menstrual blood loss (a 97% reduction in menstrual blood loss in one study). Some women experience an absence of menstrual bleeding after one year (about 20%).
- This IUD may be left in place for at least 5 years (probably effective for 8 or more years).
- IUDs are safe, inexpensive over time, and provide extremely effective long-term contraception from a single decision.
- One of the costs of any contraceptive is the cost to you should your contraceptive fail. Given the extremely low failure rate of Mirena, a person using this method is far less likely to have the emotional and financial expenses associated with an unintended pregnancy.
- All you have to do is check for the strings each month.
- May be used by postmenopausal women on estrogen therapy to protect the endometrium against endometrial cancer.
- Once Mirena is removed, fertility returns rapidly. Approximately 8 out of every 10 women who want to become pregnant will become pregnant in the first year after Mirena is removed.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- Do NOT start this method of birth control unless you will find it acceptable to have your periods change. They WILL change a lot.
- There may be more bleeding days than normal for the first few months and less than normal after 6 to 8 months. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome, contact your clinician. There are medications which can help you have a better pattern of bleeding.
- The IUD does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if there is any risk.
- There is a high initial cost of insertion.
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WHAT IS the Copper T IUD?
World wide more women use IUDs than birth control pills!!! An IUD is a small device which is placed inside the uterus. The vertical and horizontal arms of the Copper T 380A IUD contain copper which is slowly released into the uterine cavity. Copper stops sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the tubes, and it reduces the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from successfully implanting in the lining of the uterus if fertilization has occurred. Among typical couples who initiate use of this IUD, less than 0.5% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the Copper T 380 A (ParaGard).
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- Levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena) and Copper T IUD (ParaGard) are the two most effective reversible methods of birth control.
- Copper T 380 A IUD (ParaGard) is effective for at least 12 years.
- Only 2 out of 100 women using a Copper T for 10 years will become pregnant.
- The copper IUD prevents ectopic pregnancies.
- This contraceptive is very cost effective (inexpensive) over time.
- Use of an IUD is convenient, safe, and private.
- All you have to do is check for the strings each month.
- The ParaGard IUD may be used by women who cannot use estrogen?containing birth control pills, patches or vaginal ring including breastfeeding women.
- The IUD may be inserted immediately following the delivery of a baby or immediately after an abortion.
- Some studies of IUDs have shown a decreased risk for uterine cancer. There is also some evidence that IUDs protect against cervical cancer.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- There may be cramping, pain or spotting after insertion.
- The number of bleeding days is slightly higher than normal and you may have somewhat increased menstrual cramping. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There are medications which may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding and cramping.
- The IUD provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if there is any risk.
- There is a high initial cost of insertion. However, after 2 years, it is the most cost-effective contraceptive method.
- The IUD must be inserted by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or physician's assistant.
- A very small percentage of women are allergic to copper.
- Some men can feel the IUD strings during intercourse.
Key Words: IUD, inserted, bleeding, removed, dark, black blood
Posted 11-13-2006, Updated 12-4-2008
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Robert A. Hatcher MD, MPH
Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
---2008-12-5
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The directors and owners of this website and any publications and information concerning health matters offered here advise a person with a particular problem to consult a primary-care clinician or a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, or urology (depending on the problem or the contraceptive) as well as the product package insert and other references before diagnosing, managing, or treating the problem. |
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Suggestions, recommendations, questions, comments, data from the literature, interpretation of laboratory tests and other information provided on this site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be relied upon as advice from or implied to be a substitute for the professional advice of a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, counselor or other healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your clinician or other professional for any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition, method of birth control and other family planning or personal/social issues. Periodic references to costs of birth control methods on this website are estimates only and your actual cost for any specific method of birth control may be more or less than the stated amount. Emory University School of Medicine, Bridging the Gap Foundation, and Bridging the Gap Communications Inc are not responsible for any damage or loss you may incur as a result of your use of or reliance on any material or information provided through this website.
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