An intrauterine device or IUD provides long-term and reversible birth control. Clinical trials show that the copper IUD effectiveness rate is  99.2%.

The idea of having a medical device inserted into your body and left there can be a bit daunting, though. It is normal to wonder what that might be like. Knowing what to expect when your copper IUD insertion is done will help.

What Is a Copper IUD?

A copper IUD is a form of birth control that uses copper as a spermicide. There are two types of IUDs available: hormonal and copper. The hormonal IUD releases hormones that help prevent ovulation or an egg from entering the uterus.

Copper IUDs work differently. This non hormonal IUD prevents sperm from entering the uterus where an egg might be waiting for fertilization. If sperm cannot reach the egg, then there is no pregnancy.

What Does a Copper IUD Look Like?

IUDs are T-shaped devices that have strings dangling at the end. A copper IUD also has copper wrapped around the body of the device. That is not something found on a hormonal IUD. 

How Are IUDs Inserted? 

IUD insertion is done by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting, such as a doctor's office. In some cases, IUD insertion might occur in a delivery room after a woman gives birth.

First, a healthcare professional, might be a nurse or doctor, will check your vagina, cervix, and uterus to make sure you are a candidate for an IUD. This is similar to a pelvic exam. They might also recommend STD testing.

When you are ready, the healthcare provider will insert a speculum into the vagina to open up the cervix. With the cervix open, they will use a special device to place the IUD inside the uterus. That process takes approximately five minutes.

How Will IUD Insertion Feel?

You may feel pelvic pressure and mild cramping pain during the procedure. If necessary, the doctor can use a medicine, such as 5% lidocaine gel or a paracervical block, to numb the cervix to make it more comfortable.

Your healthcare provider might ask you to sit quietly in the room for a few minutes to ensure you don't have any serious side effects like dizziness.

 What to Expect After IUD Insertion

The side effects are different for every woman. Some have no problems after the procedure. They may go back to work or school right away. Others may need a day or more to rest. Some women report cramping and backaches for a while. A heating pad and over-the-counter medication should help. It is normal to have some minor spotting after insertion, as well.

What About Periods?

Hormonal IUDs may make your periods lighter or even stop them. Copper IUDs will not, though. In fact, some women have heavier periods at first. This may go away over time. Reporting any serious bleeding or pain to your healthcare provider is essential.

You may also notice a string coming out of your cervix. This string makes IUD removal by a healthcare professional easier. The string also helps you check IUD placement.

After a week, squat and insert your fingers into your vagina to feel the string. If you can't find it, it may have shifted or come out entirely. Around 2 to 10% of users lose their IUD in the first year.

What Are Other Potential Complications of an IUD?

IUDs are typically safe for most people, but there is a small risk of complications. For instance, uterine perforation is possible but rare. This occurs in only .1 to .3% of insertions.

There is also a chance of pregnancy. If you suspect you might be pregnant, see your doctor to confirm. You will want to rule out ectopic pregnancy.

There may also be a slight risk of a pelvic infection. If you begin to run a fever after insertion, contact your doctor immediately.

When Can You Have Sex After Getting an IUD

If you have a copper IUD such as Flexi-T, you can have sex at any time. The unique methodology of a copper IUD means that it begins protecting you from pregnancy right away, Copper IUDs are 99% effective as soon as they are in place.

A copper IUD also works as a form of emergency contraception. It takes time for sperm to travel into the uterus after sex. You can have unprotected sex up to seven days before IUD insertion and still have that protection.

That is a significant advantage over hormonal IUDS, which takes up to a month to begin working. During that month, you will need to use another birth control method.

Find out more about the copper IUD Flexi-T, the best copper IUD today by visiting our website.