Why has my cycle become irregular after IUD insertion?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 19 year old woman. I have always had normal 28 day cycle. Before five months, I have stopped taking a low dose hormonal birth control pill in favor of the paragard IUD. My cycle continued as normal after this. However, before two months, I had periods after 21 days and the next month too the same 21 day cycle followed. Then, I began my cycle after 14 days and have been menstruating for 15 days now. Other confounding variables include moving to the college, which were a large climate, altitude and environmental change as well as resuming sexual activity around the beginning of this cycle. I was tested for STIs before five months and received negative results. I have remained in a monogamous relationship. What is your opinion? Do I need to visit my gynecologist? I have heard that hormone pills can be taken to stop bleeding. Is that true?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The irregular periods could be because of the IUD (intrauterine device), climate change, change in place and other factors you have mentioned. However, to attribute it to one single cause could be difficult at this point of time. Please get yourself checked internally by a gynecologist. Also, get a pelvic scan done to see whether the IUD is well placed and also have a look at the uterus and ovaries. Do get a complete blood test done. With all these reports meet your gynecologist and get checked. Do get back to me with the reports so that I can guide you further. Please do not worry. It does not seem to be a major issue. Take care.