
Disadvantages of IUDs
Some people have side effects after getting an IUD. They usually go away in about 3–6 months, once your body gets used to the visitor in your uterus. So if you can stick it out for a few months, there's a good chance the side effects will ease up.
Side effects can include:
-
mild to moderate pain when the IUD is put in
-
cramping or backaches for a few days after insertion
-
spotting between periods
-
irregular periods
-
heavier periods and worse menstrual cramps (Copper)
Pain medicine can usually help with cramping. If the bleeding or cramping gets pretty bad and doesn't seem to get better, tell your nurse or doctor what's going on.
IUDs don't protect against STDs.
While IUDs are one of the best ways to prevent pregnancy, they don't protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
Luckily, using condoms every time you have sex reduces the chance of getting or spreading STDs. So the thing to do is to use condoms with your IUD.
Rarely, side effects are serious.
Serious problems from IUDs are not at all common, but there are some risks and warning signs you should know about.