Intrauterine Device
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe pain or bleeding during your period.
- You have a fever and severe abdominal pain.
Call your doctor or gynecologist if:
- You think you are pregnant.
- The IUD has come out.
- You have bleeding from your vagina after you have sex, and it is not your period.
- You have pain during sex.
- You cannot feel the IUD string, the string feels longer, or you feel the plastic of the IUD itself.
- You have vaginal discharge that is green, yellow, or has a foul odor.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Apply heat to relieve pain and cramping. Use a heating pad set on low. Apply heat to your lower abdomen for 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
- Return to activities as directed. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to return to work, school, or other activities.
- Do not use a tampon or have sex until your provider says it is okay.
Make sure your IUD is in place:
An IUD has a string that is made of plastic thread. One to 2 inches of this string hangs into your vagina. You cannot see this string, and it should not cause problems when you have sex. Check your IUD string every 3 days for the first 3 months that you have your IUD. After that, check the string after each monthly period. Do the following to check the placement of your IUD:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean towel.
- Bend your knees and squat low to the ground.
- Gently put your index finger inside your vagina. The cervix is at the top of the vagina and feels like the tip of your nose. Feel for the IUD string. Do not pull on the string. You should not be able to feel the firm plastic of the IUD itself.
- Wash your hands after you check your IUD string.
For more information:
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
434 West 33rd St.
New York City , NY 10001
Phone: 1- 800 - 230-7526
Web Address: http://www.plannedparenthood.org
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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