Introduction:
A wide range of contraceptives are available nowadays, and they are used by women worldwide. They are condoms, birth control pills, oral contraceptives, etc. One such method that prevents women from getting pregnant is the intrauterine device (IUD). There are many benefits and limitations to an intrauterine device similar to that of other pregnancy prevention methods. But one such major drawback is chronic cramping and rejection of the device itself. We will explore more about the process of inserting an IUD and managing the cramps associated with it in the below article.
What Are IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)?
IUDs are small T-shaped devices that are slightly bigger than a coin used to prevent pregnancies. It is inserted into the uterus, which helps prevent pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to pass through and reach the eggs.
The main working principle behind an intrauterine hormonal device is that it releases a hormone called progesterone, which is responsible for the thickening of the cervix, making it highly impossible for the sperm to pass through it. This will ensure that the egg is not fertilized and hence prevents pregnancy.
Is Cramping Normal During IUD?
It has been observed that women experience cramping during insertion of the intrauterine device. This cramping is common during insertion and continues to prevail for a shorter period of time after the procedure.
The process of placing the IUD involves the placement of a small tube-like device containing the IUD through the cervical canal inside the uterus. During this process, as the cervix gets opened, it is common to get cramping, similar to that of the cramps experienced during menstruation. The severity and the pain associated with the cramping may be different from one person to another.
It has been identified that women who have given birth to a baby or who have only slight cramping during menstruation are more likely to experience mild cramping after the insertion of the intrauterine device. This is because the uterus would have been enlarged during pregnancy, so a slight reaction is experienced to the presence of the device inside the uterus.
How Long Do These Cramps Last?
As mentioned earlier, the main reason behind cramping after the insertion of an IUD is that the cervix has been opened in order to place the device inside the uterus. So the level of discomfort and the duration of these cramps typically vary from one person to another. In rare cases, these cramps only last for a few minutes, but it is perfectly normal to experience slight spotting and cramping for a few hours after the procedure.
For most women who have gone through the process of inserting IUD, these cramps start to decrease gradually but continue to occur rarely for the first few weeks. It stops entirely after 3 to 6 months from the date of insertion.
How to Manage Cramps Associated With IUD?
Though it is not possible to make your cramps and the pains associated with them go away immediately, there are certain ways that can help in easing down the discomfort, such as,
1) Over-the-Counter Medications:
Some medicines are available over-the-counter without a prescription, which helps in reducing cramps and pains, such as -
- Ibuprofen.
- Acetaminophen or Paracetamol.
- Naproxen sodium.
2) Heat:
As with menstrual cramps, using a hot water bottle or heating pads helps in easing down the cramps. Sitting in a hot tub or a warm bath also has a similar relieving effect.
3) Exercise and Yoga:
Physical activity helps in stretching the muscles. Hence a good walk also eases the cramps. Also, some yoga poses are effective against cramping as it helps by stretching the muscles and loosening them. Some of these poses are,
- Pigeon.
- Bow.
- Fish.
- Cobra.
- One-legged forward bend.
- Cat and cow.
- Camel.
4) Acupressure:
Putting pressure on specific points on the body helps in reducing the cramps. For instance, pressing on the arch of the foot relieves cramps.
Apart from these immediate measures, there are certain long-term strategies that can be adopted in case the cramps are not going away and continue to last for more than one week. Some of these are,
5) Supplements:
There are certain nutrients and acids which can be taken as supplements in order to reduce cramping. They include,
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin B1.
- Vitamin B6.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Magnesium.
- Pine bark extract.
- Fennel.
6) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):
If the pain is not bearable and cramping continues for more than two weeks, your doctor might suggest TENS. This consists of a hand-held machine that is used to send small electric currents to the skin cells, which block the pain signals to the brain. This is not advised for all cramping women and is considered as a final option.
What to Do if the Cramps Do Not Go Away?
Though it is rare, some people do not have the tendency to tolerate the presence of a foreign object inside the body. In this case, these cramps do not go away. So, if the cramps last for more than three months, it is important to consult your doctor. The doctor will check if the IUD is in the proper position or if it needs to be removed.
Some of the signs that require immediate medical attention are,
- Unusual heavy bleeding.
- Severe cramping.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Fever or chills.
- Unusual menstrual bleeding – Too light or heavier than before.
These signs might be indicating an infection or IUD expulsion. Also, if you feel like the IUD string length is changed or feel like you are pregnant, immediately seek medical attention.
Is Removing the IUD Painful?
If the IUD string is easy to access, the removal process is very simple. You might feel mild cramps during the removal process, but the cramps will not be as severe as the ones that were experienced during insertion. But if you have a low threshold towards pain or experienced severe pain during insertion or if the IUD string is inaccessible, pain relief medicines might be required to help in the removal process. The doctor might use Lidocaine or a cervical numbing shot to reduce the pain sensation.
Conclusion:
Experiencing cramps after insertion of IUD is very common, and only in a few cases, these cramps have lasted for more than three weeks. However, if you continue to experience cramps and if they last for more than two months, it is important to reach out to your doctor for proper examination. When there are major difficulties and you feel like removing the IUD, your doctor might suggest the best course of action based on his diagnosis.
